Important Reminders

Terms & Conditions of Enrolment

From time to time the School reviews and updates our Terms & Conditions of Enrolment. Please note the updated Loreto Normanhurst Terms & Conditions of Enrolment for your reference. Any questions related to these Terms & Conditions can be directed to enrolments@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Group Photo Ordering

Parents can go to the website advancedlife.com.au and enter your school code 6DG E39 QM6.

From here you can go into the ‘Group Photo’ tab to access all extra-curricular photos.

Or go to ‘Order Photos’ to purchase student packs.

PAL Trivia Night Raffle

Support PAL's fundraising efforts for 2023 by purchasing a ticket in our Trivia Night Raffle! This is your chance to make a difference and win some incredible prizes whilst supporting our school community. The Raffle is open to all members of the Loreto Normanhurst community.

• 1st Prize - $5000 Flight Centre Travel Gift Card
• 2nd Prize- $1000 Westfield Gift Card
• 3rd Prize- $300 Hunter Street Hospitality Group Gift Card

The funds raised from the event and this raffle will go towards much needed classroom upgrades and facilities projects such as the Oval Refurbishment which will enhance the education experience and opportunities for current and future Loreto Normanhurst students.

Get your tickets now!

Parent Communication Survey

Loreto Normanhurst is committed to ongoing review and evaluation of all aspects of our learning community in order to best meet the needs of our students and families. Based on ongoing feedback we have received, we are currently evaluating the platforms and procedures relating to communication and would like to hear from our parents about how we can streamline and improve the communication experience with the School.

We would appreciate you completing this anonymous survey by 30 October if you have not already. The survey is expected to take no more than 10 minutes.

ACCESS LORETO NORMANHURST PARENT COMMUNICATION SURVEY HERE

Once completed, the results of the survey will be analysed and will be used to determine priorities and actions for the improvement of our communication tools and landscape. More specifically, the results will help to guide the development of an upgraded Parent Portal, which is currently under evaluation.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in creating a better communication experience for our community.

From our 2023/24 School Captains

Lucy Harrison and Tahlia Moses

At first glance, the concept of leadership can be quite daunting. New pressures, responsibilities, and expectations. However, what also comes of leadership is that of promoting voice, representing others, and standing up for ideas and values that truly matter.

As the new School Captains taking on this new and exciting role, we had to go back and reflect on what a leader is to us. Throughout our Loreto education from Year 5, to now going into our graduating year, Loreto instilled the key qualities of courage, determination, and strength and the importance these have in various leadership roles. Further, the idea of gentle, loving and giving natures within the context of leadership were also prioritised.

This idea of balance between strength and empathetic vulnerability was never understated and that is the qualities that allow true leadership, collaboration, and important matters of justice to be brought to light. An example of the embodiment of these key qualities are our outgoing School Captains Pip and Lucy. Both girls took these key qualities to heart and not only led the school diligently but also with compassion and a genuine care for those around them. Under their leadership, we were able to see how the idea of justice and speaking for those who can’t, are what it means to be a leader.

It is with the upmost respect and admiration that we aspire to continue the legacy that has been built. We will use our leadership assets, and the strength and dignity in our voices to help promote a fostering and lively Loreto family. As the  2023/2024 captains we are committed to leading the Loreto community to the best of our abilities.

Pastoral News

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

Welcome back to Term 4 and it is wonderful to have the campus busy again with students settling back in. A key focus for the return to school is to start well and ensure everything is in order for student success. Apart from focusing on their learning, we have included some uniform reminders here for you to discuss with your daughter. You will find this outlined in detail in the Student Handbook under Uniform Code, Page 21. We have a beautiful uniform, and we expect students to wear this well and with pride.  

Uniform Reminders   

• Students must wear a hat during recess and lunch as well as to and from school.  
• No student is to wear multiple earrings to school. One set of single matching silver or gold studs, sleepers or white pearl earrings in the lower earlobe are permitted.  Nose rings are not permitted.
• Cosmetics, false eyelashes, and nail polish including acrylic nails are not to be worn. 

Flexischools account reminder

A reminder to ensure that your daughter’s Student ID card is linked to your family’s Flexischools account. Students may not use their smart phones to pay for items at the Café or Canteen; phones will be confiscated, and a detention issued if they are used, as all phones must be in lockers from 8:20am. Students may also use a debit card to pay for items at the Café or Canteen too. 

Twilight Tour Student Volunteer Opportunity

Twilight Tours will run on Wednesday, 18 October from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity for students to take prospective families on a tour of the campus. We have run several of these this year and we are always looking for student volunteers. Encourage your daughter to get involved and she can email Mr Madigan for more information.

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 families a successful start to the term.

Learning News

Parent Information Evening

Monday, 16 October

6:30pm - 8:00pm

The Curran Theatre

We will be presenting to Year 11 parents and students in relation to their daughter's transition into the HSC year.

As this information evening offers an invaluable opportunity for you to discuss the HSC year ahead with your daughter, we ask that parents and students attend in person.

Presenters:

• Ms Kieryn Bateman, Director of Learning
• Ms Sally Munro, Director of Pastoral Care
• Ms Alexi Kayes, Careers Advisor

Click here to RSVP.

Dr Prue Salter - Enhanced Learning Educational Services

Top Tips for Studying for Tests

Studying effectively for tests and exams is a SKILL that can be developed and will make a significant difference in your academic success. Here's a checklist to help students identify and improve their study habits:

• Make Notes Regularly: Instead of cramming all your studying into the last-minute rush, make it a habit to make study notes regularly. This will help you understand the material better as you go along, making studying for tests less overwhelming.
• Plan Ahead: Don't wait until the last moment to finish your study notes. Start early, ideally weeks before the exam, so you have ample time to review and understand the material thoroughly. Avoid last-minute stress by planning ahead.
• Create Organised Study Notes: Create structured and easily digestible study notes. Use headings, bullet points, and diagrams to make your notes visually appealing and comprehensible. This will make it easier to review and memorise key information.
• Use Active Learning: Don't just passively read your notes. Test yourself on the material to gauge your understanding. Use flashcards, quizzes, or teaching the topic to someone else. Active learning reinforces your memory and comprehension.
• Use Diverse Study Techniques: Don't rely on a single study technique. Experiment with various methods like mind maps, mnemonic devices, or group study sessions. Explore what works best for you and adapt your study routine accordingly.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: To prepare for the pressure of exam day, practice under realistic conditions. Set a timer at home when doing questions, avoid looking at your notes, and simulate the exam environment as closely as possible. This helps build your confidence and adapt to time constraints.
• Use Varied Sources: Don't limit your study materials to just one source. Diversify your resources by using textbooks, online materials, practice exams, and teacher-provided resources. This broadens your understanding and exposes you to different perspectives.

By incorporating these study habits into your routine, you can significantly enhance your preparation for tests and exams. Remember that consistency and early planning are key to success in high school and beyond.

You and your parents can learn more about study and examination techniques at studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Username: loretonh

Password: loretonh

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.

Mock Job Interview Day: Volunteers Needed!

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in participating in a ‘Mock Job Interview Day’ with our Year 10 students on Tuesday, 28 November. Sessions will be held face to face at Loreto Normanhurst from 8:30am-3:15pm and we are looking for volunteers to assist for all or part of the day.

Volunteering would involve interviewing Year 10 students to allow them to practice a professional job interview and present their achievements and strengths. We are looking for volunteers from different industry areas to allow students to ask questions of their interviewers and match them to areas of interest.

If you are interested in participating, please complete your details here and we will contact you to provide more information. Please note that Moir Group is assisting Loreto Normanhurst with booking in interviewer times.

All volunteers will be required to hold a volunteer ‘Working with Children Check’ and sign a Loreto Normanhurst volunteer declaration.

Oratory News

Mock Mediation – Semi Final

Congratulations to our Mock Mediation team on their incredible efforts in the Semi-Final. Unfortunately, the team did not make it through to the Grand Finals. Well done for an outstanding season.

NSW Youth UN – Voice Competition 

Registration is now open for UN Youth NSW Voice Competition. This is a unique competition run by UN Youth NSW. Students in Year 7-10 will have an opportunity to pitch their big ideas to solve real world problems. Students who are interested should email oratory@lorertonh.nsw.edu.au and register via the link found on the Youth UN Website.

Term 4 Social Debating

We are still looking for one more team of Year 7-9 students for Social Debating. If you are interested, please email oratory@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Festival of Speech

Saturday, 21 October

Goodluck to our students entering in this year’s Festival of Speech. The event will be held at Ravenswood and sessions will run throughout the day. We would love an audience so come a long for a great day of speaking events. 

Sport News

Mr David Brock | Head of Sport

Ruth Hackney Award

Congratulations to Eliza King (Year 12) who has been awarded the IGSA Ruth Hackney Recognition Award for her incredible representation over the past 4 years in the IGSA Rep Softball Team. What an amazing achievement! Well done Eliza.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

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

• Caitlin Shannon - completed the Bronze Award
• Julia Gonzales - completed the Bronze Award
• Jessica Trovato - completed the Bronze Award

At the beginning of the school holidays, 23 Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh students headed to Camp Somerset and Colo River for their Bronze Adventurous Journey. The girls hiked and canoed over 3 nights and 4 days, demonstrating teamwork and skills learnt in navigation, collaboration, and perseverance to successfully complete the journey. Well done to these Bronze participants!

Football

Congratulations to Jodie Drever (Year 12) who has been selected in the School Sport Australia Football Team!

Good luck to Sky Halmarick (Year 10) who is currently competing for the NSW Metro Team at the National Football Championships in Wollongong.

Well done to Victoria Martin (Class of 2018) who recently won gold with the ACU team at the Australian University Games.

Rugby 7’s

Congratulations to Mia Jones (Year 12), who has been selected in the Australian Schoolgirls Sevens Team that will be competing at the Global Youth Sevens Tournament in the Gold Coast in December.

Wishing you all the best for a fantastic tournament Mia!

NSW All Schools Athletics

Well done to Ava Garnys (Year 10) who recently competed in the 16 years Womens’ 1500m final and 800m at the NSW All Schools Championships. Ava achieved PBs in both races, with a 14 second improvement in 1500m!

On Sunday, 8 October, Ruby Mullins (Year 7) also competed at NSW All Schools Athletics in the 200m event. Ruby ran close to her time from the IGSA Carnival as she represented the school.

Well done to all the girls who competed at All Schools Athletics!

Combined Staff and Community Choral performance for the Christmas Chapel Concert - 'Stars’

Ms Kathryn McGreal

As part of the Christmas Chapel Concert, we will be performing the choral work ‘Stars’ by Erik Esenvalds. The secondary school choir and vocal ensemble will join with staff and community singers to perform the work as the concluding item in the concert.

We invite and welcome any interested singers (you do not need to be a trained singer) to come along to the scheduled rehearsals which will be held in the Chapel on Friday afternoons commencing in Term 4. Please leave your contact details within the form provided here.

Once you have signed up to be a part of this choral experience, you will be sent a recording of your part to learn in advance of the rehearsals. You will also be welcome to seek assistance at any time from the music department in the learning of your part if required.

I am so excited for us to unite in the spirit of community through song.

Mary Ward Justice Forum

Loreto Normanhurst presents

Dignity unveiled: Exploring justice as the essence of every individual

A Mary Ward Justice Forum

Tuesday, 24 October | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Click here to register.

Please join us for refreshments and conversation with our guest speakers and facilitator from 5:30pm. Presentation to begin at 6:00pm.

The Mary Ward Justice Forum is an annual collaboration between Loreto Normanhurst and Loreto Kirribilli exploring and promoting issues of justice in line with the values and teachings of Mary Ward and the Loreto Sisters.

The inherent dignity of each individual is a fundamental principle that underscores the essence of human rights and justice. In this thought-provoking forum, we will delve into this profound concept looking in our own backyard and the need for increased rights for all.

Hear from three distinguished guest speakers, Sister Jwan Kada ibvm, Richard Korkor and Catherine Knox, facilitated by Emma Simkin who will guide us through an exploration of this multifaceted topic, offering valuable insights from different perspectives and shedding light on the often marginalised of society – those in prison, women and children.

In a world that often races ahead, we have the opportunity to pause and reflect on a fundamental truth that unites us all – the intrinsic worth that resides within every human being.

RSVP by Monday, 16 October

Click here to register for catering purposes.

Advancement Updates

Normo Networking Evening

Thursday, 26 October | 5:00pm - 8:00pm

FTI Consulting, Level 22, Gateway, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney

We invite Year 10-12 students and their parents to join us for our second instalment of Normo Networking. This evening is an informal networking opportunity that is a fantastic opportunity to connect and form meaningful relationships, share knowledge, and gain inspiration with Loreto Normanhurst alumnae.

We are thrilled to have guest speaker, Kara Greiner Class of ’92 who will share her journey, insights and experiences as a Criminal Defence Lawyer, offering a unique perspective on her career and the pathway she took after leaving Loreto Normanhurst.

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to register.

Please register your attendance for catering purposes.

Parent Association Updates

PAL Trivia Night – Movie Magic

Saturday, 28 October | 6:30pm

Gymnasium

PAL would like to warmly invite all parents to join them in a fun filled evening of Trivia!

Get your smarts on and dress up as your favourite movie character or simply decorate your table. A great way to get together and socialise!

This function will be BYO, so chat amongst your friends and bring along some delicious goodies.

There are big prizes to be won with a raffle being drawn on the evening! Click here to enter the raffle.

Who will be crowned the winner?!

We look forward to having you join us!

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to book your table.

Year 11 Parent Event – Save The Date

Sunday, 19 November

Save the date for a Year 11 Parent Event in November. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks!

Expressions of interest for the 2024 Spring Fair Committee & 2024 PAL Executive Committee
Planning for 2024!

PAL at Loreto is open to all parents and carers and we are currently planning for 2024. Your level of involvement can vary from attending and/or assisting at PAL events, becoming a Year Parent Representative, joining one of the Sub Committees or even becoming a member of the PAL Executive Committee. Everyone is welcome to contribute in any way they can and your contribution is always truly valued. We continue to support Loreto by providing additional funds for important programs and initiatives and we remain committed to keeping our community connected.

Our main event for 2024 is the Spring Fair which is held in Term 4. The success of the Spring Fair is reliant on the energy and goodwill of the whole parent community. PAL are looking for volunteers to join the 2024 Spring Fair Committee. All volunteers are welcome. If you wish to be involved, please email pal@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

If you have any questions about the Parent Association or the Spring Fair and getting involved, please contact Kath Walton at craigandkath@me.com.