Important Reminders

Parent Communication Survey Update

Mrs Lynn Long | Deputy Principal

As you are aware, we have commenced a review of the platforms and procedures relating to communication to identify ways to streamline and improve the communication experience with the School. Thank you to all of those in our Community who responded to the Communication Survey earlier this Term. Through this survey we were able to gain valuable input from a large number of parents to guide the next stage of the project. The input received has provided the following valuable insights:

• 84% of parents are in favour of the introduction of a comprehensive parent portal, as they desire a single, centralised platform to access all school-related information.
• The survey has provided guidance on other opportunities to optimise communication, as well as the communication tools and areas of the School requiring review.

Thank you again for your assistance in creating a better communication experience for our community. We will continue to provide updates as we action the next steps for this project.

Uniform Shop Update

The last day of trade for the Uniform Shop is Thursday, 7 December 2023.
However, the Uniform Shop will be open for two days of trading over the holiday period on:

• Wednesday, 24 January - 9:00am to 3:30pm
• Thursday, 25 January - 9:00am to 3:30pm

Our online ordering services will be available over the holidays as usual. This is a great way to purchase any Summer uniform items that might need updating and be ready for collection when school resumes in Term 1. It is available 24/7 at flexischools.com.au.

Campion 2024 Booklist & Additional Purchases Lists

2024 Campion Booklists are now available and can be ordered at Campion. Please use the following Access Code to order: R4KV. If you place your order by Tuesday, 5 December 2023, it will be delivered to your nominated address by Friday, 19 January 2024. Placing your order online by the due date is the best way to ensure students will receive all available items in time for the start of the new school year. If a subject is not listed in the Campion Booklist, it may form part of the School's Digital Textbook Platform. Please note, not all subjects require the purchase of a textbook.

See below the Additional Purchases Lists outlining the specific stationery and additional materials required for each subject.

Year 7 (2024)

Year 8 (2024)

Year 9 (2024)

Year 10 (2024)

Year 11 (2024)

Click here regarding our second hand textbook service through the Sustainable School Shop.

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

A Message from Transdev NSW Transport

The new school year presents an ideal opportunity to reinforce the important requirement that all students must tap on and off with a valid Opal card every time they travel. This informs how many people use our services, which helps to ensure that our services meet the needs of your school community.

In preparation for Term 1 in 2024, we encourage you to take the following steps:

• Check if your child is eligible for a School Opal card by visiting transportnsw.info/school-travel-apply (School Student Transport Scheme website)
• Ensure your child has a valid Opal card ready for the start of Term 1
• Chat to your child about tapping on and tapping off on every journey
• Apply for a replacement School Opal card if your child has misplaced theirs

Enrolment Reminders

The enrolment processes continue! For siblings of current students seeking entry at Loreto Normanhurst in either 2025 or 2026 who have not already submitted an Application Form, please contact the Enrolments Office as a matter of priority at enrolments@loretonh.nsw.edu.au to discuss.

Christmas Bursary Appeal Update

We are delighted to update you on our 2023 Christmas Bursary Appeal. We've raised just over $78,500 to help provide young girls in need with the gift of a Loreto Normanhurst education. Together with our matched giving, we are so close to reaching our target of $80,000! 

Don't miss out on your opportunity to support the Bursary program through a donation or purchasing one of the items below. 

All donations over $2 are tax-deductible, and 100% of your donation goes directly to a student’s tuition fees for 2024. 

• Custom donations
• Buy Freshwater Pearl Bracelets
• Buy Christmas Cards designed by our students
• Buy a ticket to the Starlight Chapel Christmas Concert on 1 December

Donate now.

Your generosity will have a profound impact, enriching the connections within our Loreto Normanhurst community.  

Pastoral News

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

As the school year draws to a close, we wish all our families a relaxing and peaceful holiday break and a Christmas time full of joy, reflection, and gratitude. We look forward to seeing our families back in 2024 and hearing of holiday tales of fun and adventure!

Uniform Reminders 

As the year ends it is timely for some reminders about uniform so that appropriate decisions can be made over the summer holidays. Please take note of the following:

• Extra piercings are not allowed, students may only wear one earring in each ear lobe.
• Hair colour should be natural and not dyed a different colour.
• Dress length may need to be checked and amended over the holidays.
• The Loreto tote bag is not a school bag but part of our merchandise available to families; it may not be carried to or from school or around the school. Only the school backpack and sports bag should be used by students on a normal school day.
• Hats are to be worn to and from school and at recess and lunch.

Student Interviews for Loreto Rural Partnership and Mary Ward Connect

This week, Mrs Wells and Mr Madigan have interviewed several students who have expressed interest in the Loreto Rural Partnership and Mary Ward Connect immersions for 2024. The students have been exceptional in being able to articulate what they would bring to these experiences. Students will be notified next week of the outcome, and we know they will be fine representatives for the school.

Normo Fusion is almost here

We are very much looking forward to the second Normo Fusion program on Wednesday, 6 December where the Houses will perform their 3-minute performance to the theme, ‘Lights! Camera! Action!’ Tuesday lunchtimes have been filled with much excitement, joy and fun as the students put their finishing touches on their items. Good luck everyone!

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.

Marist Sony Camp

This year, Loreto Normanhurst is once again proudly collaborating with St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill to support the Marist Sony Camp. The camp aims to provide support and respite to the home-carers and families of children with disabilities; to encourage students to use their gifts in the service of others, out of love of God; and to ensure an authentic experience of service-learning that challenges the values and ideas of student participants and supports social, emotional and cognitive learning that will engender an ongoing commitment to advocacy and charitable participation.

The support of student leaders to this program is invaluable. However, the program also seeks community support of adult volunteers. These volunteers make a valuable contribution to the smooth running of the Camp, which runs from the 8 December to the 11 December. If you can provide a small amount of time to sign up as an adult volunteer, the facilitators would be very grateful for your contribution of time to the experience.

Please be aware that you will need a valid Working With Children Check to sign up.

All details regarding what is required and sign up forms, can be found here.

Once completed please email Jasmine Khalifeh your name, date of birth and WWCC number (or temporary number which commences with AP).

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Donations are due Thursday, 30 November

Every Christmas the St Vincent de Paul Society extends a helping hand to families and individuals facing hardship by offering essential support, such as Christmas hampers and gifts. Loreto Normanhurst is calling upon all its students to contribute to making Christmas a season of joy and hope for vulnerable families through the donation of gifts and non-perishable items. We welcome a wide range of items, from children’s gifts, Christmas pudding, tea, and coffee.

To make your donations, please drop them off at your Head of House's Office or the Primary School Reception by Thursday, 30 November. While your daughter can provide any non-perishable items for the hampers, we also encourage specific items listed below. Please ensure that items have not passed their useby date and do not contain nuts.

With over two million people living below the poverty line in Australia, including over half a million children, your support of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal provides more than immediate assistance; it offers the opportunity for a better life. Your contribution can help families in need within your local community experience a truly meaningful Christmas. We sincerely thank you for your support in making a difference in the lives of those in need. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Jacinta Wells at jwells@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Careers Updates

Ms Katrina Smith and Ms Alexi Kayes | Careers Advisors

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.

Loreto Normanhurst Visual Arts Exhibition Opening

Ms Monica Boardman | Head of Visual Arts

On Thursday, 16 November the Visual Arts faculty was delighted to present the Year 5-11 Visual Arts Exhibition in the DRC.

There was great joy to see the artworks created by all the girls who have had Visual Arts classes this year and to celebrate their skilled and creative works that were made in various expressive forms.

Our opening guest, Susie Dureau was unfortunately unable to attend the Exhibition, but has provided her speech here. Susie is a contemporary painter and has her artworks in many collections including our own Loreto Art Collection. She is often an Artist-in-Resident for the senior girls and attends the non-term artmaking workshops for Year 12 students as a guest artist.

It is evident through her words that she has a deep understanding of what is required to make artworks - skill, imagination, and joy, joined to spiritual and philosophical constructs. Your daughters have understood this also.

Thank you to all those who were able to attend. Have a lovely end of year and I wish you every happiness for 2024.

Sport News

Mr David 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:

• Natalia Barone, Year 11 – completed the Silver Award.
• Julia Levay, Year 9 - completed the Bronze Award.
• Lucy McKenna, Year 10 - completed the Bronze Award.
• Keisha Sims, Year 9 - completed the Bronze Award.
• Kristina Taylor, Year 9 - completed the Bronze Award.
• Amber Wang, Year 9 - completed the Bronze Award.

Secondary Swimming Carnival

We are looking forward to the Secondary Swimming Carnival which will be held on Wednesday, 29 November at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. What a way to finish off the sporting year for Loreto Sport!

Uniform

Please be advised, all Sport staff and coaches are monitoring students' training and match day uniforms.

Our goal is to ensure we are representing the school and ourselves with pride both on and off the field/court to the highest of standards. For more information on the Sport uniform requirements, please review the Sport Uniform Policy or review the Sport specific canvas page

Attendance at Training and Fixtures

A friendly reminder to all families that students who have nominated to participate in a sport program during Term 4 have a commitment to attend training sessions. It is the student's responsibility to inform the sport department of unavailability at least 24 hours prior to the session. Please review the Sport Department Attendance Policy on the Canvas page for more information

Canvas

For the most up to date information for Sport at Loreto Normanhurst, please visit the Sport Department Canvas Page.

Sport News

Please email sport@loretonh.nsw.edu.au if you have any sporting news to share so we can publish and celebrate your achievements with our community.

Parent Association Updates

Tuition Fee Raffle 2023 – Less than 125 tickets remaining!

The Parent Association Tuition Fee Raffle is back for 2023! The prize is an opportunity to win a $15,000 credit on your 2024 school fees, which will go a long way in helping one lucky family.

Tickets are $106 each (including all booking fees). Be quick as there are less than 125 tickets remaining!

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Click here for full raffle terms & conditions.

If you have any questions, please contact pal@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Parent Association AGM – Wednesday, 29 November

Wednesday, 29 November

6:30pm

Cahill Seminar Room

The Parent Association of Loreto (PAL) is the official representative body of parents and guardians of students at the school. We encourage parents/guardians of students from all year levels to join the executive committee and be part of the wider committee in non-executive roles so that we can truly be a representative body. Being part of the committee is a great way to be involved with the school community and to meet other parents.

If you would like to nominate to be on the PAL Executive Committee or be part of the wider committee in non-executive roles such as a Year Parent Representative or the event planning team for 2024 including the Spring Fair, please see below for the position descriptions and nomination form.

Click here for Nomination Form & Position Descriptions.

If you have any questions about the Parent Association or Spring Fair and getting involved, please contact Kath Walton at pal@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Our Open Table, 125 Years Cookbook – A great gift for Christmas!

Our beautiful commemorative cookbook, Our Open Table, celebrating 125 years of Loreto Normanhurst Education makes a great Christmas gift!

The Cookbook can be purchased on the Normo Shop here.

If you have any questions relating to the cookbook, please feel free to contact us at lncookbook125@gmail.com or pal@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

PAL Merch – Link Tile Now on FACE Online

An easy access link to the PAL Merch can now be found on FACE Online. A great range of merch is available to purchase including tote bags, caps, visors, and socks!

Click here to purchase PAL Merch.

Second-Hand Uniform Donation Drive Term 4

The Parent Association together with the school is announcing a Second-Hand Uniform Donation Drive for the collection of good quality second-hand/preloved school uniforms for the rest of Term 4.

The Parent Association is pleased to announce this initiative to support the school’s focus on sustainability and to give parents a good quality second hand option when purchasing uniforms for their daughter.

Good quality, clean second-hand uniform items including summer dress, winter tunic/skirt, ties, blazers, jumpers/vests, sport tracksuits, PE uniform will be accepted via Main Reception and Primary Reception.

For hygiene purposes, hats or swimwear will not be accepted.

Please remember to donate items that you would buy yourself – i.e., we won’t accept any items that are dirty/unclean, damaged – tears, rips, holes or are not in a sellable condition.

Please note that moving forward, the previous ‘on consignment’ option for second-hand uniforms will no longer be available through the uniform shop. 100% of the monies raised from the sale of your donated second-hand uniforms will go towards the school’s Bursary Program.

Families who have already contributed items to the Uniform Shop via the ‘on consignment’ option will have that arrangement honoured and will be contacted regarding this.

Please note, the Uniform Exchange at Pymble is a separately run business and has no connection to the school.

Advancement Updates

Gingerbread House Kits still available!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Gingerbread House kits are still available to purchase for Year 7-12 families. Christmas Creations is the perfect opportunity to bring the family together to build a Gingerbread House at home.

Gingerbread House kits are $45 plus postage. 20% from the sale of each kit will go towards the Loreto Normanhurst Christmas Bursary Appeal.

Kits are available in traditional gingerbread, chocolate gingerbread and gluten free. Included in the kit is your Gingerbread House, foil baseboard, royal icing mix, piping bag and instructions.

Purchase your kit here!

The code "LNChristmas2023" will be applied for a 5% discount.

To view the Secondary Christmas Creations Gingerbread House invitation, please click here.

'Starlight' Chapel Christmas Concert

Friday, 1 December

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Loreto Normanhurst Chapel

Held in the beautiful Loreto Normanhurst Chapel, ‘Starlight’ is a celebration of Christmas featuring an outstanding line up of instrumental and vocal performances from our talented students and staff.

We would be delighted for you to join us!

Tickets are limited!

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Community Announcements

Normanhurst Public School Cherry Drive

The annual Normanhurst PS P&C Cherry Drive is on again. Delicious fresh cherries available, straight from the farmer this Christmas.

• 1kg box: $27
• 2kg box: $48
• 5kg box: $90

Orders close 9am Friday, 8 December.

Click here to order.

Click here for the flyer.

Cherry Collection: Wednesday, 13 December.

Outside school (bus zone): 9:30am-11:30am or 3:30pm-6:00pm

For any enquiries please contact Alex at fundraising@npspandc.com.

Walk the Talk

The Women's Shed invite you to join them for Walk the Talk on Wednesday, 6 December.

Click here for more information.