da Vinci Decathlon

Nerves and anticipation filled sixteen Year 5 and 6 students as they walked through the gates of Knox Grammar School on Thursday, 27 July to participate in this year's da Vinci Decathlon! The girls were participating in the academic competition that is designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students across ten disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.

Here is what some of the girls had to say:

"The da Vinci Decathlon was really fun to collaborate with the other team members. I really enjoyed working on the ideation, as it was to find a way to get rid of space junk. I found it challenging when I was doing math, as I helped with 3 of the hardest problems - it was quite confusing." Adhithi Srinivasan Year 6

"I liked the decathlon because it challenged my brain, and it gave me a chance to interact and work with other students that I don’t get to normally work with. It is a fun, interactive and challenging experience, so you should definitely join the da Vinci Decathlon team next year!" Sophia Zammit Year 5

"My favourite was art and poetry where we were tasked with creating a 3D artwork with a poem on it. I also really enjoyed the tablecloth decorating competition that was a little extra activity we got to do during the second session!" Sabrina Whenman Year 6

"I really enjoyed going to the da Vinci Decathlon with all these challenges that we faced, doing great teamwork work with each other, we all had lots of fun together and I mostly love the games that we played that really challenged us. I hope I can join da Vinci again next year." Christy Li Year 5

Justice Crew

Lizzie Bowe | Social Justice Leader

On Monday, 24 July, the Justice Crew were invited to join an event held by the Green Team, joined by special guests, Graham and Sandra Ross. We went up to the high school and learned about plants and even got to plant our own succulents.

The plant that I found most interesting was the Orchid Cactus, which is sometimes called the Queen of the Night. The Queen of the Night is an amazing Australian plant that only flowers at 11-12pm. It does this because it is waiting for a nocturnal animal, such as a bat, to come and pollinate and spread it so it can grow again, then it closes again afterwards.

This unique and interesting plant reminded me of how unique and diverse our planet is. Appreciating our planet is something we are always focused on in the Justice Crew.

The succulents we planted will remain in Miss Ball’s room until the end of term. We are really looking forward to caring for them and learning more about these amazing plants.

Social Justice News

Mrs Jacinta Wells | Head of Religious Education and Justice

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Food Drive

Following on Refugee Week in Term 2, Loreto Normanhurst will be supporting the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) by engaging in a winter food drive from Monday, 14 August until Thursday, 31 August. The JRS Foodbank deliver food and supplies to over 150 families each week and the demands continue to grow each month as many refugee and asylum seekers remain excluded from essential federal government support.

Your daughter is encouraged to bring in donations of the following items:

The items can be dropped off at any of the following locations at Loreto Normanhurst – The Primary School Reception, Mr Madigan and Ms Boland’s Office, and the Library. Please feel free to contact Mrs Jacinta Wells, Acting Head of Religious Education and Justice, at jwells@loretonh.nsw.edu.au if you would like further information on how you can support the JRS.

Snug as a Bug in a Rug Day

Friday, 18 August

On Friday, 18 August we will mark Loreto Normanhurst’s annual Snug as a Bug in a Rug Day. This community event provides an opportunity for Loreto Normanhurst to reduce its carbon footprint through minimising our energy consumption by switching off heating. This day reminds our community that we are committed to an ecological mindset and one that aims to make conscious choices that reduces our impact on our common home, one step and one action at a time.

Students can wear mufti on this day and are encouraged to don beanies, scarves, oodies and ugg boots to stay cosy and warm. They are also encouraged to read page 21 in the diary for guidelines around what to wear on mufti days. However, students are also reminded to not wear slippers, inappropriate shoes or onesies. A gold coin donation will be collected during Year Time on that day and all proceeds will go to the Loreto Normanhurst Bursary.

Sport News

Mr David Brock | Head of Sport

Snowsports

Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the State Snowsports Championships in August.

• Ashlee-Rose Saba (Year 5)
• Annabelle de Vos (Year 7)
• Hannah de Vos (Year 11)

Sport Aerobics

Both Primary and Secondary Sport Aerobics teams competed at the School Aerobics State Qualifiers in the school holidays. Two teams were awarded medals (1st and 3rd) and all three teams qualified for the Nationals Championships which will take place in Adelaide in August. Well done to all our Sport Aerobics teams in this fantastic result!

Parent Association Updates

Introducing FOLD

Fathers of Loreto Daughters (FOLD) is a subcommittee of the Parents Association of Loreto (PAL) that has been established to celebrate the bond between fathers and their daughters whilst fostering a fellowship among fathers in the community.

We encourage all fathers to participate in and contribute to our community by offering their time, skills, and networks to support the priorities of the school and parent community.

Look out for upcoming events!

To find out more about the FOLD committee, follow us on LinkedIn.

Impact Statement

We would like to acknowledge our incredible community for your generosity and thoughtful support of our philanthropy and fundraising campaigns over the past year. We cannot say thank you enough for your incredible kindness and commitment to our mission and for supporting every event with a cheerful heart and good humour.

The impact of donations on our Loreto Normanhurst community is immeasurable, and we encourage you to read our full Impact Statement for a comprehensive overview of how your contributions continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of current and future students. Click here to see the full Impact Statement in detail.

Birthdays

Wishing a very happy birthday to Elka, Kayla, Emily, Evelyn, Evangeline.

Dates for the Diary

ICAS-DT

Tuesday, 8 August

Year 6 Amazing Me

Wednesday, 9 August

ICAS-Writing

Thursday, 10 August

Year 6 Parent Evening

Friday, 11 August

7:00pm-11:00pm

Pennant Hills Hotel

Join other parents from Year 6 at Hotel Pennant Hills, drinks and dinner available. Come for a drink or have dinner as well. This is a parent only event.

Click here to RSVP.

ICAS-English

Tuesday, 15 August

Year 6 Canberra Trip

Wednesday, 15 - Friday, 18 August

City/Country Mothers’ Weekend Away in Dubbo

Friday, 18 August - Sunday, 20 August

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!

Event information:

• Friday, 18 August: Cocktail Party at 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.

Father Daughter Eucharist & Lunch

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.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Alumnae Reunion Lunch

Saturday, 23 September

10:00am-3:00pm

Loreto Normanhurst in partnership with the Ex-Students’ Association warmly invites current parents who are alumnae to the Reunion Lunch for a day of nostalgia, laughter, and celebration!

The day will commence with a Mass service in the morning, followed by guided school tours, and continuing with a beautiful lunch in the grounds.

We would be delighted if you could join us for a wonderful day at Loreto Normanhurst where we offer you the opportunity to reconnect with your fellow alumnae for this wonderful celebration.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to purchase your tickets.