Weekly eBulletin
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Today is Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the season of penance and reflection which prepares us for Easter.
On Ash Wednesday, as a symbol of penance, and a symbol of thinking more deeply about our own humanity, we receive the Ashes. Symbolically, the Ashes remind us to think about self-sacrifice in some way in our lives.
Parents and families are encouraged to attend their Parishes on Ash Wednesday, and throughout the Lenten season. At School, all students will participate in an age appropriate ceremony.Years 7 - 12 students will participate in liturgies in their Homeroom groups.
The Performing Arts Festival (PAF) 2012: Rehearsals for the annual Performing Arts Festival bring an energy and vitality to the start of each day, and I commend every single student in the School for her part in preparing for the performance next Monday night. At Loreto Mandeville Hall we are enormously proud of the tradition of our totally student – led PAF. The students and School community alike commend the PAF leaders of each House, and thank them for their hard work with the Houses and behind the scenes. We wish all performers the best of luck on stage at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre. Performances will commence promptly at 7.30pm and we ask all families to ensure that you are seated by this time.
What a wonderful night we had together on Friday night at the whole School Cocktail Party. It was a pleasure to have time to talk with so many parents, and to meet parents new to our School in a social context. A picture perfect setting, the backing of the Jazz trio, the wonderful weather and the lively conversations provided the right ingredients for a night of positive community building. With nearly 600 guests in attendance, there was much opportunity to share stories and experiences across the year levels and to rejoice in the strength of the Loreto family.
I note particular thanks to the organising committee for the evening, in particular the coordinator for the event, Mrs Sarah Perrett. I also note thanks and appreciation to our School caterers Sodexo, and congratulate Café Manager Sam Van der Venne and his staff for their fine food and service. Most importantly, I thank all parents for attending – it is this measure of support, so evident in our School last Friday night, that speaks more than any words, the spirit of Loreto. In order to view and purchase photos from the Cocktail Party please go to the following link. Please note that the password is lmh2.
The Early Learning Centre beginning of the year Mass and Picnic, held last Sunday morning, was another felicitous occasion. This year, the Early Learning Centre celebrated ten years of operation, and students from Loreto Mandeville Hall and St Kevin’s College Toorak, who are now in our Schools, and who commenced ten years ago at St Peter’s Early Learning Centre, were the very special guests at the Mass. Our youngest students do much to bring life and joy to the Parish of St Peter’s, and their participation at this young age is both important and formative.
As a School, we have much for which to be grateful; much for which to give thanks. Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry encouraged all her students to develop “an attitude of gratitude”. In the 21st Century, we know that a prevailing disposition of optimism is healthy, and ensures an overall sense of wellbeing in children, no matter their age. In all our working with young people, this encouragement to look beyond the small irritations, to cultivate large mindedness, and to learn to give one another the benefit of the doubt, is essential.
In the Loreto year of freedom, it is a focus.
Heavenly Father, give us the grace to
Live Simply
Love seriously
Care deeply
Speak kindly
Amen
Dr Susan Stevens
Principal
From our Deputy Principal
The Relationship Between Staff Professional Learning and Student Outcomes
I believe that one of the reasons that Loreto is a high achieving school is that we embark upon continual improvement in all areas of school life. This involves reflective practice and making explicit links between what has been done and how things have eventuated. When things go well, we identify the factors and try and improve upon them. When things do not go so well, always a possibility when calculated risk taking occurs, we also try and identify the “why” and endeavour to avoid the same errors. With this in mind, the staff have begun a process of reflection about the results of 2011, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, through a range of tools. On Friday 17 February, The Age newspaper had two articles about school and student performance. The first article stated that the key to improving students’ results was improving teaching and the resources put into teaching. The successful school systems studied, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea all placed great emphasis on the early stages of education, and they provided teachers with mentors and treated them as researchers. The second article drew on the data just released from the most recent PISA tests (Program for International Student Assessment). According to the article, Shanghai, the leading country, achieved these results in part by focussing on lifting teacher quality. Most of the schools have peer reviewed research. They also have a “success education” strategy, which involves promoting academic confidence in low performing pupils by focusing on their other strengths. Each country which performed highly in the PISA results had a focus on building a culture of teacher collaboration through classroom observation, mentoring and modelling.
Loreto already does many of these things, and celebrates student achievement across a range of areas in the curricular and co-curricular life of the school. Loreto staff are highly educated and seek continual improvement through academic engagement and professional networks. As an example of tangible evidence of this, last year, staff members completed PhD (Learning to be in the 21st Century: Meaning and needs), Marie-Laure Mimoun – Sorel; Master of Education (Student Wellbeing), Tam Brothwell and Kim Bence; Master of Visual Arts , Sue Burke; Master of Education (Mathematics), Catherine Maimone Crowhurst, Certificate Voice and Speech – Drama and Communication, Tamara Kuldin. Many others are part way through courses: PhD, Rosemary Abbott; Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship),Fiona O’Rourke and Irene Lu; Master of Education (Student Wellbeing), Anne Kostos, Kym Maclean; Master of Education (Educational Leadership), Seamus Scorgie; Master of Education, Natalie Gray; Master of Education (Religious Studies), Andrea Grant, Master of Education (Modern Languages), Sandy Macleod; Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Mathematics), Robert Tighe; Graduate Diploma in Theology, Mary O’Connor; a second PhD (this time in Education) Julie Radford; Master of Education, Julia Kortt; Certificate in (Theology and Ministry); Graduate Diploma (Gifted Education), Bernadette Foster; Doctorate in Education, David Moloney. This engagement with current educational thinking has tangible benefits for the delivery of curriculum to your daughters by having practitioners who are exposed to best practice research from around the globe working collaboratively with their peers in our school. In addition, a large number of our staff work in their field of expertise outside normal teaching hours, in gifted and talented education, subject networks, examination setting panels, examination marking, presentation of papers at conferences, running seminars and the like. We also have staff who have their work published in journals and in the print and electronic media, who exhibit artwork, who perform in bands and orchestras or sing professionally. And I am sure to have missed other extraordinary accomplishments! All of this adds to the vibrant and engaging discussion about best practice delivery of curriculum, which is alive and well at Loreto.
Ms Mary O’Connor
Deputy Principal
From our Director of Religious Education & Liturgy
Father/Daughter Mass Volunteers Needed
This coming Sunday, 23 February, Year 12 will celebrate their Parent/Daughter Mass. It will be a special and poignant time of gathering for Mass for the girls, as this is the last of such Masses the Year 12s will participate in at school. We urgently need volunteers to assist with the organisation of the breakfasts that follow the Father/Daughter Masses. If you can help please contact Adrian Kennedy or phone 0418 477 904, or myself. We are particularly in need of volunteers for the Year 8 Mass (4 March) and Year 7 Mass (29 April).
Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Girls in Years 7-12 who have not made their First Reconciliation or Eucharist are invited to participate in preparation classes for these Sacraments that will be run by the school at lunchtimes during Term 1 (Reconciliation) and Eucharist (Terms 1 and 2). Please contact Mrs O’Leary or myself at school. The Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) will be held in the Chapel of Christ the King on Tuesday 13 March at 7.00pm. First Eucharist will be held on Sunday 3 June also in the Chapel of Christ the King.
Mr Damian Whelan
Director of Religious Education & Liturgy
From our Director of Studies
Many of you would have seen the considerable coverage in the media this last week pertaining to education. On the eve of this weeks’ Gonski Review into school funding there brews a more intrinsic debate around the role of ‘quality teaching’ in Australian schools. Educational research continues to demonstrate time over that ‘quality teaching’ is the single greatest in-school influence on student engagement and achievement. The recent Four Corners episode Revolution in the Classroom (aired on 7 February 2012) was further testimony to this.
It fills me with great confidence as I observe our teaching staff engage enthusiastically in this important exchange. I know it was something to which I was ‘in awe’ of when arriving at Loreto Mandeville Hall for the first time; the number of staff having contributed to their profession as either authors of textbook publications, advisory panel members, conference presenters or educational mentors. Similarly, the large number of current staff undertaking post-graduate studies to enhance their skills in the classroom is further evidence of this. But we can never be too complacent. Quality teaching is a highly creative and well informed activity sustained over time. The finer nuances of which, as a staff, we will be exploring in our Teaching and Learning Meetings over the following weeks.
For those who were interested, the please click here to visit the myLoreto portal and link to the presentation slides from the VCE Information Evening. Link through to Staff/Student Documents, Parent/Student Information, Presentations.
Ms Samantha Jensen
Director of Studies
From our Director of Pastoral Care
The first four weeks of Term 1 have been most positive and it has been pleasing to see our students embrace all aspects of Loreto’s rich school life with vigour. Not only are we now immersed in the academic curriculum, but our Pastoral Care Program has also commenced and at all year levels, our Homeroom Teachers and Year Coordinators have facilitated a range of sessions focused on developing organisational skills, goal setting, building relationships, peer support and VCE preparation. Through this important Pastoral Care Program, we hope that our staff can provide the kind of support that is integral to ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for our students.
Student Attendance and Parent Contact
At this stage in the year, it is worthwhile clarifying our expectations with regard to student absences, late arrivals and early departures. This information can be found in the Parent Handbook or the Student Handbooks on the myLoreto portal; however, the following is an overview of these expectations:
- If a student is late to school with a valid reason, they must present a note from their parent at the Student Office when they sign in.
- If students have to leave school early for any reason, they must sign out at the Student Office and produce a note from their parents in order to be allowed to leave the premises. This note must also be signed by the Homeroom teacher at morning roll call.
- If a student is to be absent for the entire day, we ask that parents phone the Student Office before 9.30am. In addition to this, we require students to bring a note regarding this absence the following day. This is to be given to their Homeroom teacher for their records.
- For extended student absence, a letter to the Principal, Dr Susan Stevens is required.
Please do not hesitate to make contact if you require any clarification as to these procedures.
Ms Rhiannon McGee
Director of Pastoral Care
From our Director of ELC-Year 6
Dear Parents & Guardians,
It was wonderful to gather as a whole school community last Friday evening in front of Mandeville Hall and in the Glade for our School Cocktail Party. Many prayers were answered as the rain held off providing a perfect evening for parents to mix and mingle. Many people commented on the opportunity to catch up with friends and make new connections with families who have just joined our Loreto Mandeville Hall community. Many thanks to all those involved ensuring that it was a huge success.
This week parents have been given the opportunity to meet with their daughter’s Homeroom teacher. This Parent/Teacher Exchange is designed for parents to share their valuable knowledge and insights about their child with the Homeroom teacher so that a rich and differentiated program can be prepared and tailored to meet her specific needs.
Our Prep students also enjoy their first full week of school this week. They have settled well into the routine of school life and they enthusiastically engage in the many learning opportunities provided.
The Year 6 girls participated in our Loreto Leadership Day last Friday. The day was filled with opportunities to explore the concept of leadership and the roles and responsibilities of a leader. The Year 6 students also looked at the roles within each portfolio and explored the many possibilities that each leadership role could provide. Whilst these portfolios do have some guidelines and expectations, the Leadership program allows for those in the portfolio to explore their own ideas and make the role their own. We wish the girls well in their leadership positions and know that they will learn much from the experience. Presentation of Leadership Badges will occur at Assembly on Friday 2 March.
Our Year 5 teachers and students went on an excursion to Sovereign Hill yesterday and we look forward to reading about their exciting experiences in next week’s eBulletin.
Preparation for First Reconciliation occurred last night when parents and their daughters participated in a workshop. It was a most valuable opportunity for parents and girls to explore the sacrament of Reconciliation and what it means and how it is lived in their everyday lives. We look forward to celebrating this sacrament in the Chapel of Christ the King on Tuesday 13 March at 7.00pm.
Today we begin the Lenten season with Ash Wednesday. Our P - 6 community gathered in Sr Toni Matha Hall for a liturgy filled with prayer that called on those present to prepare themselves for Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Congratulations to all those students who tried out for the District Swimming competition. The energy, enthusiasm and ‘have a go’ attitude present at the Barry Centre pool was evident and I commend all those who tried out for their diligent effort. We wish all those swimmers who are representing Loreto Toorak at District Swimming sports well. The event will be held at the Boroondara Sports Complex, 1.00pm -3.00pm on Friday.
This week we begin presenting Freedom Awards as part of our Loreto Values program. As many of you remember last year our Loreto value was Felicity and those girls who were recognised for displaying a particularly felicitous spirit in their daily school life were presented with this award at assembly. This year the value is Freedom and the award will, once again be nominated by staff and presented by me at each Friday’s assembly. It is a special award given to a couple of students across P-6 each week. It is awarded to those who live their faith through courageous, compassionate and generous service to others.
We wish all the girls well as they endeavour to live this important value in their everyday lives.
Mrs Catherine Maimone Crowhurst
Director of ELC-Year 6
P-6 News
P-6 Awards
Congratulations to the following students who will be presented awards this Friday.
Please click here to view a full list of award recipients.
Fitting of Mouthguards
Mouthguards are predominantly used in Winter sports and due to the nature of these sporting activities, which at times includes an element of risk and contact, all students from Year 4 upwards are required to have a mouthguard for Physical Education classes and Sport.
Please click here to read more information regarding the fitting of mouthguards.
Year 6 News
Year 6 Gold have been exploring Descriptive Writing.
Please click here to read more news from Year 6.
Australian Curriculum News
The previous eBulletin, outlined changes which would be occurring in the Loreto Mandeville Hall P - 6 curriculum in response to the Australian Curriculum. This article will describe the new Science and History Curriculum in more detail.
Please click here to read more Australian Curriculum News.
Student Wellbeing News
Our values are statements about how we think we should behave and what we believe is important.
Please click here to read more news from our Student Wellbeing Coordinator.
Mathematics News
Prep - Year 2 Mathematics Parent Training - We are delighted to be able to invite you to participate in our Parent Helper Program. We value your time and commitment.
Please click here to read more from our Mathematics Department.
Music News
Rehearsals for girls in Wind band, String Orchestra, String Spinners, Recorder Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Choir have been well attended. It is pleasing to see that many new Loreto Toorak students this year are already involved in the musical life of the school.
Please click here to read more news from our Music Department.
Physical Education and Sport News
District Swimming, Sports Storeroom, Boot Camp and Tennis Clinics.
Please click here to read more news from our Physical Education and Sport Department.
@3one5 News
OSHC has been a blast so far this term with fun activities like doll making, creating our own stress balls, jewellery making and seeing where our imaginations can take us with play dough sculpting.
Please click here to read more new from @3one5.
From our Director of Development
Anthony Halliday Piano Recital – An Evening in Venice
Thank you to all who attended this beautiful recital last week. The Chapel was nearly full to capacity with guests enjoying a wonderful Venetian journey, performed by world-class pianist, Anthony Halliday. Anthony will perform two more recitals this year: An Evening in Paris on Tuesday 1 May and An Evening in Vienna on Tuesday 7 August.
Please click here to book your tickets.
International Women’s Day Breakfast – Thursday 8 March 2012
Our annual International Women’s Day Breakfast will be held in the Auditorium at 7.00am for a 7.15am start. We are thrilled to announce that our guest speaker this year is Sister Libby Rogerson ibvm.
Please click here to book your tickets.
Parents’ Association Ladies Tennis Day and Luncheon – Friday 23 March 2012
All Loreto Ladies (current mothers, past mothers, alumnae and friends) are invited to attend the annual Tennis Day and Luncheon at Royal South Yarra Tennis Club. Guests are welcome to come for tennis only, lunch only or tennis and lunch. Invitations will be sent shortly. Enquiries to Siobhan Miller on 0412 951 033
Loreto Welcomes
Please click here to view a list of upcoming function for the Loreto Welcomes program.
Past Pupils' Association
Please click here to view a list of upcoming function for the Past Pupils' Association.
Mrs Judy Reid
Director of Development
From our Finance Manager
Financial Assistance for Families (2012)
Financial assistance is provided for eligible families to help them meet the costs of their child’s education. Available assistance includes:
Education Maintenance Allowance
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided by the Victorian Government to low-income families to help with education-related costs.
If you have a child under 16, and hold a valid Health Care Card or Pension Card you may be eligible to receive the EMA. The allowance is split evenly between the parent and the school, and is paid in two instalments, one in March and one in August.
The parent portion is often used for uniforms and excursions, while the school portion may be used for expenses such as textbooks, stationery and special programs. You can elect to have the parent portion of the EMA paid into your nominated bank account or receive a cheque.
In 2012, the total annual amount is $235.00 for primary students and $470.00 for secondary students – these amounts are split evenly between the parents/guardians and the school.
How to Apply: Contact the Business Office to complete an application form for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Please click here to read more about Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
Information for School families re the Gonski Report
The final report of the Gonski review was released on 20 February. It contains detailed proposals on how schools could be funded in Australia.
The report has recommended a new model for schools. At this time the implications in Victoria for Catholic school funding and parent fees are unclear.
We will keep you fully informed of any changes that are likely to affect our school.
The review called for the injection of an additional $5 billion in school funding. The Australian Government has responded cautiously to this proposal.
Prime Minster Gillard has stated that 'indexation will be an element of any new arrangement'. We will wait to see whether this meets the Catholic education position that funding be indexed to keep pace with government school costs.
The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) will work with schools to ensure they are well represented in any government consultations.
Mr Daniel McGrath
Finance Manager
Music News
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate two of our singers - Emilia Bertolini (Year 10) and Micaela Janssen (Year 7) - who recently were chosen to be in the Children’s Chorus for Opera Australia’s Autumn Season of Turandot by Puccini. Our two singers will be part of a chorus of 20, ten boys and ten girls. Performances of Turandot will be held at the State Theatre, the Arts Centre, between 10 April – 11 May.
Emilia is also to be congratulated for successfully auditioning for the chorus of the Victorian Opera’s The Play of Daniel. This medieval miracle play is being performed in the Experimedia Room, State Library of Victoria. The performance dates are 13 - 15 April. Please click here for further details.
Performing Arts Festival
As the last days of rehearsals take place before the Performing Arts Festival on Monday 27 February, I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank our PAF Music Captains for their wonderful work leading their House choirs and composing/rehearsing their instrumental compositions. We wish them well for their performances on Monday night.
Choral Captains: Marie Kinsey (Barry), Kristy Marinopoulos (Mornane), Angela McMahon (Mulhall), Renee Kazanis (Ward).
Instrumental Captains: Teresa Vu (Barry), Olenka Kiernikowski (Mornane), Stephanie Cassin (Mulhall), Madeleine Fitzgerald (Ward).
Oak Parlour Recital (Tuesday 20 March) & Showcase Concert
A final reminder that entries for the Term 1 Oak Parlour Recital and applications for Showcase Concert auditions close this Friday 24 February, 3.30pm. Entries will not be accepted if the required accompaniment music is not attached to the relevant form.
Celebration of the Piano
Application forms for Celebration of the Piano are available from the Music Office. The closing date for receipt of these forms is Friday 9 March, 3.30pm.
Miss Mary O’Driscoll
Director of Music
Sport News
Week 2 Sports Summary
Senior Sport
Softball A: Mentone defeated Loreto Toorak 11 to 0
Zone 2 Tennis A: Loreto Toorak 4/24 defeated Mentone 0/12
Zone 5 Tennis A: Toorak 4/32 defeated Loreto Toorak 0/6
Zone 5 Tennis B: Toorak 4/32 defeated Loreto Toorak 0/4
Intermediate Sport
Softball A: Star 12 defeated Loreto Toorak 10
Softball B: Star 11 defeated Loreto Toorak 4
Zone 4 Tennis A: Loreto Toorak 3/30 defeated St Catherine’s 1/22
Zone 4 Tennis A: St Catherine’s 2/25 defeated Loreto Toorak 2/20
Zone 4 Tennis B: Loreto Toorak defeated St Catherine’s walk over
Junior Sport
Unfortunately all junior softball and tennis matches were washed out this week.
Intermediate Softball and Tennis Training Cancelled on Monday 27 February
Due to the PAF on Monday 27 February there will be no morning training sessions for intermediate softball and tennis teams.
Junior Softball and Tennis Training Cancelled on Tuesday 28 February
Due to the late finish of the PAF on Monday 27 February there will be no morning training sessions for junior softball and tennis teams.
Swimming & Diving PB Meets
Congratulations to all members of the Swimming and Diving team who were involved in the GSV PB meets on Tuesday 14 February. These events gave the coaches the opportunity to record the girls’ performances in preparation for the upcoming carnivals.
Next Tuesday 21 February, Loreto will host the swimming PB meet from 4.00-5:30pm. The divers will travel to PLC on Tuesday 28 February for their next meet.
New Netball Dress Fittings for Year 9 & 10 Students
All Year 9 & 10 students who have signed up for Intermediate Netball in Term 2 will be required to go to the uniform shop next week during lunchtime to be fitted for their new netball dress.
Ms Jane Tulloch
Head of Sport
7-12 News
Year 9 News
The Year 9 Central Australia Experience – Journey to our Heart is fast approaching. Please find below the flight details for the camp and an information package will be sent out to parents in early March.
Please click here to read more news from Year 9.
Club News
Rowing Club News
Junior Rowing Report and Victorian Championship Regatta Report. All Senior Rowers raced in the Victorian Rowing Championship Regatta on the Nagambie Lakes course last weekend. Congratulations to the Senior Firsts and Senior Seconds Crews who won their divisions.
Please click here to read more Rowing Club News.
Cocurricular News
Debating News
Senior DAV, Senior Debating Seminar, Junior Debating, Junior Secondary Program and Junior Debating Seminar.
Please click here to read more Debating News.
Foot of the River News
As the girls’ rowing season approaches its apotheosis at the famous Head of the Schoolgirls (HOSG), a parent’s thoughts might turn to thoughts of rowing themselves.
Please click here to read more Foot of the River News.
General News
St Joan of Arc Catholic Parish
We would like to inform you of the Confirmation program for 2012 at St Joan of Arc Parish.
We are currently enrolling Catholic students in our after school Sacramental Program and would like to invite any eligible students from your school to join the class.
The program will commence with a Parent Information Night on Wednesday 2 May at 7.30pm in St Joan of Arc Church. It is imperative that parents who wish their daughter to be confirmed attend this meeting.
The following weekend there will be a Commitment Mass at 6.00pm on Saturday 5 May or 10.30am Sunday 6 May.
Classes will be held at 4.00pm in the presbytery on the following afternoons:
9, 16, 23 and 30 May
6, 13 and 20 June
There will be a Confirmation reflection day held on Thursday 18 October from 9.00am to 3.00pm in St Joan of Arc School Hall; the Sacrament will be administered on Friday 19 October at 7.30pm, and Saturday 20 October at 6.00pm.
Only children of parishioners of St Joan of Arc would be eligible to join this program.
Cesar Lopez
Pastoral Associate
St Joan of Arc Parish
