School News- 16 June 2023
As we come to the end of Term 2 we celebrate Loreto Day, invite you to our Term 3 events and share important updates and information.
| 16 Jun 2023 | |
| Australia | |
| School Newsletter |
Important Notices
Private Bus Cost Review
Please note the School has undertaken a review of expenditure relating to the private bus service. The $315 per term charge has been in place since 2017 and requires revision due to increased costs associated with the service. Accordingly, the private bus charge will be amended to $330 per term commencing Term 3.
We are mindful of the current economic conditions and have made a concerted effort to limit the increase to 5%.
Uniform Shop Holiday Trading
The last term day of trade for the Uniform Shop is Thursday, 22 June.
The Uniform Shop will be open for two days of trading over the June/July school holidays:
Monday 26 June - 9:30am to 3:00pm
Friday 14 July - 9:30am to 3:00pm
Our online ordering services are available 24/7. This is a great way to purchase any Winter uniform items that might need updating and be ready for collection when school resumes in Term 3.
Online ordering is available at: www.flexischools.com.au.
Please note, the Uniform Shop has relocated to 6 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Students can access the Uniform Shop from the school grounds and parents are to use the entrance on Mount Pleasant Avenue.
Music Festival Recording
The 2023 theme 'Just Soul' proudly shone through and all performances demonstrated the talent and hard work of our students. If you want to relive the beautiful night, a recording of the 2023 Music Festival is now available to purchase from the Shop on our website here.
The Witches - opening night is tonight!
Performances from Friday, 16 - Wednesday, 21 June
If you would still like to attend the Loreto Normanhurst production of The Witches there are some tickets remaining.
The Loreto Normanhurst production of Roald Dahl’s The Witches is performed by our Junior Drama Students. Book now to see a grandmother and her grandson come face to face with the witches, their plans, and the Grand High Witch herself!
Click here to purchase your tickets
Loreto Day
We recently celebrated Loreto Day on Friday, 2 June. It was such a powerful display of a student-led initiative where our Year 11 students led the community with great enthusiasm to provide a very successful day. This included some great awareness raising and the good fun and festivities of food and activity stalls which all contributed towards a great cause. The raffle raised over $5000 and we are still awaiting the final calculations of monies raised for the Mary Ward International Australia Landing Pad project.
See below a list of the Loreto Day Raffle winners.
Loreto Day Raffle Winners
Congratulations to all our winners for our Loreto Day Raffle raising funds for Landing Pad an initiative of Loreto Sister Monica Suchiang with the support of Mary Ward International Australia to end period poverty in India.
- 1st Prize
H.W
Ticket Number - #1655 - 2nd Prize
J.C
Ticket Number - #1855 - 3rd Prize
A.S
Ticket Number - #481 - 4th Prize
S.M
Ticket Number - #240 - 5th Prize
B.N
Ticket Number - #759 - 6th Prize
R.M
Ticket Number - #698 - 7th Prize
J.C
Ticket Number - #1348 - 8th Prize
M.L
Ticket Number - #394 - 9th Prize
J.M
Ticket Number - #43 - 10th Prize
K.P
Ticket Number - #890
Pastoral News
Ms Marysa Boland and Mr Justin Madigan | Deans of Pastoral Care
Coming up in Term 3
We are very much looking forward to seeing the students back for Term 3 and running the following programs with Year 10 and the whole School in the first week back. On Thursday, 20 July, Year 10 will participate in their Pastoral Day and work on boundary setting, consent education and some fun team building and drumming activities. On Friday, 21 July, the SRC will run their annual “Christmas In July House Competition in the gymnasium. May the best House win!
On Monday, 17 July we will be running our Academic Plenaries via zoom from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
We wish all our families, students and staff a well rested Winter holiday break and we look forward to seeing students at school on Tuesday, 18 July.
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.
Community Service Opportunities
Wrap with Love
Wrap with Love is a great opportunity for Year 5-12 to contribute to the local and wider community and can be done at school. You will be knitting squares to create blankets for the millions of people in the world suffering extreme cold. Twenty-eight assembled squares create one whole warm and sheltering 'Wrap' for those in need. If you do not know how to knit, that is okay, we can teach you and you can learn from your peers.
When: Every Tuesday at lunch in Term 2 & 3
Where: GBC 1.02
More information is available here.
Lifeline Bookfair
The Lifeline Bookfair at Knox Grammar School is an opportunity for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students to volunteer and help with various tasks. Tasks include unloading trucks, setting up books and Book Fair assistance.
When: Monday, 10 July - Sunday, 16 July (various times which can be found on form in link). Please note that there are limited spots available for some time slots.
Where: Weeks Senior Academy, Knox Grammar School, Borambil Street, Wahroonga
Please complete this form would like to volunteer.
St Lucy's Creative Arts Program
Open to students in Years 10-12. Students need to be able to commit to one afternoon a week for a minimum of one term. Volunteers aged 16 or above are required to have had three Covid vaccinations and masks are to be worn indoors.
Monday
- Theatre (Drama) Project 3:45pm – 4:45pm
- Art Project 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Tuesday
- Dance Project (Jazz) 3:45pm – 4:30pm
- Dance Project (Tap) 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday
- Dance Project (Jazz) 3:45pm – 4:30pm
- Art Project 3:45pm – 4:30pm
Please send an expression of interest to volunteer@stlucys.nsw.edu.au.
Respect, Understanding and Acceptance Day
Sairsha Davies, Ivana Antony, Niamh Kelleher and Lucy Knox, Year 11
On Wednesday 24 May, thirteen Year 11 students visited the Great Synagogue as part of the Respect, Understanding and Acceptance Day excursion. This day, run by the Jewish Board of Deputies, saw students from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds come together to share stories about their cultures, demonstrate rituals and discuss multiculturalism and discrimination. At the Synagogue, we made many new friends from schools all over Sydney of both Christian and Jewish faiths including Pymble Ladies College, Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore), St Paul’s Catholic College and Emanuel School. Having the opportunity to visit the Great Synagogue and being able to see a Torah scroll, hear from Rabbi Menachem Feldman and ask him questions and discuss with the other students from different backgrounds helped support our learning of Judaism in Studies of Religion. It was a rewarding day which allowed us to immerse ourselves in the experiences of different cultures and gave us the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about other students and their backgrounds and how this has influenced their lives. We were able to engage in discussions about our beliefs, background, and religion as well as connecting with students from other schools, strengthening our understanding of our wider community.
Year 10 Deep Learning Task – Combining the Homelands and Canberra Experiences in 2023
On Wednesday, 7 June, Year 10 were fortunate to hear from guest speaker, Jack Jacobs who is the Yindyamarra Research fellow at Charles Sturt University (read more about Jack here). Jack has spent most of the year living on Wiradjuri Country with his mentor and friend, Stan Grant, which presented a great opportunity to connect his recent experiences with those of our students who experienced their Homelands Immersion early in Term 2.
Jack introduced the concept of “Yindyamarra” which means “Respect” in Wiradjuri and worked through several group activities with students that related to the Homelands Immersion and the upcoming Canberra experience.
Jack created his presentation after consultation and in partnership with Mr Marco Scali, Head of Professional Practice & Growth and Year 11 students, Sairsha Davies and Lauren Meaney, to ensure the program for the day was bespoke for our purposes. The theme for Jack’s session was “Closing the gaps between us” and his general focus was to challenge students to think about how they can play an active role in imagining a better Australia. The six key questions Jack used to provoke group discussion were:
- Was your idea of Australia – and what it means to be an Australian – challenged by your Homelands experience? If so, how?
- What is the one key thing that you learnt from First Nations people on Country that you will not allow yourself to forget?
- What might be some of the barriers to equity in Australia in 2023 for First Nations’ people and how might we overcome these?
- How will you work to actively ‘close-gaps’ that may exist within your own school community? (i.e., to bring people in your school together?)
- What is one social cause that you would like to engage with as an active citizen in your life at school and beyond? How might you begin to do this?
- What is the key feature of the Australia that you would like to imagine and play an active part in creating?
Both students and staff have been challenged and motivated by these rich learning experiences which is the goal of the Deep Learning cross-curricular theory practiced at Loreto. Year 10 will continue to use their learnings from Homelands, their workshop with Jack, their upcoming Canberra experience, and their learnings across English, History, Geography, Religion and Integrated Studies as they seek to develop an idea for a social enterprise that targets areas of inequity in Australia in Term 3.
Learning News
Year 10 2023 Subject Selection Evening Recording
Recording link: https://vimeo.com/836011998
Password: Subject2024
Subject Selection Plenaries – For Year 10 2023
Year 10 parents were previously emailed booking instructions for Subject Selection Plenaries through the PTO System. If you haven’t yet booked a Subject Selection Plenary, please refer to the information sent previously, which is on FACE Online. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this opportunity.
Year 7 – 11 Academic Plenaries
Academic Plenaries are opportunities for students, supported by teachers, to share their learning progress with their parents and receive valuable feedback. Teachers will be available for 5-minute meetings next term on Monday, 17 July – 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Tuesday, 18 July – 3:30pm to 8:00pm. The plenaries will be held via Zoom.
The PTO Booking System will open next week on Monday for Boarding families and Tuesday for Day families. Parents will be emailed full details on how to book when the PTO system opens on these days.
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.
Music News
Ms Kathryn McGreal | Head of Music
Music Concerts Elective Music
Last week Year 10 Elective Music students performed in a concert evening for parents and friends. It takes time, persistence, and practice to develop a music item for public performance and it was impressive to witness our students embrace both the joys and the challenges of music making.
The Curran Theatre was transformed into an intimate performance venue with sound and lighting set by Mr Weaver and Dr Lewis which added a professional flair and mood for the evening. A range of performances from classical to pop repertoire were presented showing the diversity of our emerging young musicians.
Thank you to Mrs Virginia Matcham who generously gave her time to accompany the students for the evening.
Sunday Studio Concerts
Students undertaking private lessons with Faculty Tutors have been performing in a series of ‘Sunday Afternoon Studio Concerts’. Musicians from Years 5-12 have showcased the development of their performance skills, entertaining parents and friends in concerts from the Voice and Woodwind departments.
Many thanks to our faculty accompanists Ms Amy Putt and Mrs Angela Pelletier for their support of the students for these events.
Music Ensembles
Our piano students have been working with Mrs Pelletier in the newly formed Piano Accompanist Club. This group meets every Tuesday at lunchtime, learning the artful skills of an effective accompanist. The aim of this group is to build skills and confidence in accompanying solo performers and choirs as well as providing the opportunity for piano students to meet socially and play piano duets.
The Stage Band is growing in popularity led by Mr Weaver and Mr Jan. These students are working on Jazz and Contemporary band repertoire and meet each Tuesday morning before school at 7:30am.
Any student wishing to join any of these music groups should speak to Ms McGreal for further information.
Elective Music Deep Learning Projects
This term elective students in Year 9 and 10 have embarked on deep learning projects that have been enhanced through connecting the learning to real world experiences.
Year 10 have learnt how to read, interpret, and communicate orchestral scores through undertaking the challenging and diverse role of a Music Conductor. Students have been conducting Loreto School Ensembles including Orchestra and Chamber Strings, discovering the music skills required to realise the vision of a Composer. Last week professional Conductor George Ellis attended one of our music classes to show students how Conductors prepare music scores, run rehearsals, and employ specific conducting techniques to communicate large music works to musicians and audiences.
Year 9 have been learning how to manipulate orchestral colours by responding to a brief that required students to compose music for a Vivid installation. Students have created music and designed images which were aligned in a time sequence, mimicking the work of professional Composers. Students attended Vivid in the city to examine these composing processes used by professionals and apply this knowledge to refine their musical works.
Sydney International Piano Competition
This is an international event held every 4 years in Sydney since 1977.
The concerts are to be held at the Conservatorium of Music with the final rounds at the Opera House.
Click here to view the program and to book tickets.
Oratory News
Senior Ethics Olympiad
Congratulations to the Green Team, Grace Parker, Tahlia Moses, Isabella Lynch and Phoebe Zammit on being awarded the Silver Medal in their round of the NSW Senior Ethics Olympiad. Special mention to the Blue Team who were placed 8th at the event and awarded Honourable Mention by the judges.
The Green Team will now prepare for the Virtual International Finals to be held early in Term 3.
CSDA Season Results
Congratulations to all CSDA debaters for a great season of debating.
Special Mention to 7B who made it to the Eliminations against Catherine McAuley College, but unfortunately did not win this debate.
Congratulations to the 12A team who were undefeated for the season and head straight to the quarter finals to be held in Term 3.
Mock Trial
Monday, 19 June
Goodluck to our Mock Trial team who are competing against Ravenswood in the 3rd Round of the season. Parents have been sent information regarding timing for this event.
Mock Mediation
Wednesday, 21 June
Goodluck to our Mock Mediation team who are competing in the 3rd Round of the season. Parents have been sent information regarding timing for this event.
YMCA Youth Parliament
We wish Lauren Meaney, Tahlia Moses and Ruby Dew the best of luck as they prepare to engage in what looks to be an exciting week. Students will engage in a variety of activities that will see the week finish with the development of reports for each of their assigned portfolios. We can’t wait to see what recommendations you put forward to the NSW Government.
Virtual Debating
We are currently finalised the draw for the Australian National Virtual Debating competition. Most of these debates will occur early in Term 4. We wish these teams the best of luck. Coaching for students in the Virtual teams will occur on a Thursday at lunch.
Archdale Debate
Just a reminder that Archdale resumes on Tuesday, 25 July. Training will continue to occur on Tuesdays at lunch.
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:
- Zoe O’Neil (Year 10) - completed the Bronze Award.
- Jessica Ingham (Year 11) - completed the Bronze Award.
- Brooke Kilmurray (Year 11) – completed the Silver Award.
Football
Congratulations to Skye Halmarick (Year 10), Jodie Drever (Year 12) and Lara Granelli (Year 12) who represented IGSA at the CIS Football Championships recently. IGSA were the tournament champions, winning 4 from 4 games! Further congratulations to Skye and Jodie who were selected for the CIS Football Team to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships.
Congratulations to Tyra Towney (Year 9) who has been selected into the NSW NAIDOC 16 Girls Football squad.
NSW All Schools Swim & Dive Championships
Well done to Regan Garufi (Year 10), Emy Liu (Year 8) and Lily Whalan (Year 9) who competed for CIS at the NSW All Schools Swimming and Diving Championships this week.
Lily came 3rd in the 15 years girls springboard event and has qualified for the NSW team diving at the School Sport Australian Diving Championships in August. Congratulations Lily on this fantastic achievement!
Cross Country
Well done to Neve Tierney (Year 11), Phoebe Zammit (Year 11) and Zara Cusick (Year 10) who competed as part of the IGSA Cross Country team at the CIS Cross Country Carnival on Thursday, 8 June.
Congratulations to Neve, who placed 10th at the carnival and has been selected for the CIS Cross Country rep team.
Coonabarabran Equestrian Expo
The LN Equestrian Team ventured to Coonabarabran on Thursday, 1 June to compete in the Northwest Equestrian Expo.
Our fabulous 11 riders competed in almost every event held over the 5 days of competition with some fantastic results!
We had 2 new riders join the team this year, Belinda Bugler (Year 10) and Alice Portelli (Year 8). Both girls had a wonderful time and performed well in their disciplines.
A special mention goes to Sophie Maclean (Year 11) and Allie Maclean (Year 9) who won their B Grade Polo crosse final which was incredible to watch.
Sophie also won the U17 Warrumbungle’s Way Event and Allie was Reserve Champion in Sporting.
Other awards were won by Ellie Whittaker (Year 9), Emily Lenane (Year 9) and Harriet Lampe (Year 8).
A big shout out to all the families who assisted throughout the event, Loreto could not have done this without you!
- Karen Whittaker – Team Manager
- Rachel Maclean – Catering Manager
Thanks again to Nick Knowles for all his help every year, even after his daughters graduated from Loreto many years ago!
Well done girls! It was a privilege to watch you compete and we are very proud of you.
The countdown is already on for NWEE, 2024.
Aerobics
On Sunday, 4 May the Primary and Secondary School Aerobics Teams competed at the state qualifiers in Penrith.
It’s the first time Loreto has competed in aerobics and all three teams qualified for the State Championships which is happening on Sunday, 25 June. They will be competing for a spot in the National Championships. Congratulations to all the team and a shout out to the Year 7/8 team for coming 1st place! Great work, girls!
Results:
- Year 5 Team: 4th place
- Year 6 Team: 2nd place
- Year 7/8 Team: 1st place
Advancement Team Updates
Community Events
Loreto Normanhurst warmly invites you to our upcoming Community Events.
Come join us for a relaxed evening amongst alumnae, past, current, prospective parents, and friends where we will share stories and updates from the Loreto Normanhurst community.
We hope to see you all there!
Narrabri
Friday, 21 July 2023
7:00pm - 10:00pm
The Tourist Hotel
Click here for the invitation.
Click here to RSVP.
Father Daughter Eucharist & Lunch - Save the Date
Sunday, 27 August
9:15am
Chapel & Miramare Gardens
Loreto Normanhurst warmly invites all daughters, their fathers and father figures in their lives to join us for two special events, the Father Daughter Eucharist and Father Daughter Lunch on Sunday, 27 August.
The day will begin with the Eucharist in the Chapel at 9:15am followed by Lunch at Miramare Gardens, Terrey Hills.
Tickets will be available soon.
Parent Association Updates
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 12 Mother Daughter Lunch
Sunday, 16 July
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Kirribilli Club
You are warmly invited to the Year 12 Mother Daughter Lunch.
Tickets are $120 for adults and $110 for students. Tickets are inclusive of a drink and canapes on arrival, two course meal, premium beverage package (adults only), soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
The dress code for the event is smart casual.
The venue has tables of 10, so feel free to organise with friends to book with the same table number. Alternatively, you can book on the "Open Table" and we can arrange seating for you. Mothers and daughters will sit on a table together.
Bookings close Wednesday, 5 July at 5:00pm.
Click here for an invitation.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
City Country Mothers' Weekend Away in Dubbo
The Loreto mums are going away! Pack your bags and get ready to go, we are heading to Dubbo and would love for you to join us!
Date: Friday, 18 August - Sunday, 20 August
Event Information:
- Friday, 18 August: Cocktail Party at the Devils Hollow.
- Saturday, 19 August: Lunch at the Rhino Lodge.
- With the evening continuing at The Commerical Hotel for the afterparty.
Click here for the invitation.
Click here to purchase your tickets.
TeachMeets at Loreto Normanhurst - an event for NSW Teachers
Wednesday, 21 June
4:00pm - 6:00pm
All teachers are invited to join us for TeachMeets at Loreto Normanhurst.
TeachMeets are a casual and collaborative platform designed by educators, for educators, for sharing ideas and fostering mutual support in their professional development and growth.
Join us to hear from early career teachers, experienced teachers, senior students and recent graduates about their experiences and professional journey's.
Contact Mr Marco Scali via mscali@loretonh.nsw.edu.au if you would like to attend.
