T H E L O R E
SCHOOL NEWS WRITTEN BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS
2021 has so far brought around a lot of great things: international travel to New Zealand, the re-opening of many venues, a new lot of Year 7s at Loreto, but especially Loreto’s production of A Chorus Line! After having Matilda: The Musical was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was extremely exciting to perform a show as incredible as this, in front of a live audience
Although the show is not very prop reliant, I was helping out backstage While hiding behind a portable mirror isn’t the ideal spot to view from, it gave me a great vantage point on all of the behind the scenes happenings
As a backstage crew member on a show such as A Chorus Line, there wasn’t an awful lot of active work to do: we mostly just moved around extremely tall mirrors and brought the few props on and off stage. This meant we had a lot of spare time, which was - more often than not - filled with running errands for people higher up in the ‘Crew Member Hierarchy.’ Even that had a silver lining though The backstage crew members were able to meet many new people around the school (there was a close call with a janitor and a bag of chips)
We were also able to familiarise ourselves with the way productions operate Based on this experience, I’m quite inclined to help out in later years, and recommend it to anyone who would like to be involved in theatre without direct exposure to the audience
Hayley Every, who also helped backstage, describes her experience as, “A new angle on the performance I have learnt a lot about stage directions and special tactics ”
Working backstage gives a whole new perspective on how much hard work goes into 4 days of performances. I would like to take the opportunity in this article to thank everyone who worked for very, very long hours helping in any way at all with this production None of this would’ve been possible without them, so if ever you get the chance, say thanks to the many people who supported A Chorus Line all the way through to the end, including: Mr Stowe, Ms Canavan, Mrs Phillips, Ms O’Driscoll, Mrs Vandenberg, Mrs Jans, and especially Ms Crowe, who put the entire show together Again, thank you!
I’ll be honest, at first I thought the actors and crew would have very little to do with each other, but throughout the many runs and reruns (and runs to 7-Eleven - shh!), I’ve made some great new friends. It’s really encouraging to know even if you’re not an actor, a dancer, or a singer, you can still get involved in productions
PERSPECTIVE ON 4EK
F
E A R
“What are you so afraid of ”
I’m afraid that I’ll fail …
I’m afraid of not knowing who I am
I’m afraid that people won’t accept me for who I am
I’m afraid of not being enough …
Fear is an odd emotion, in fact, every new experience in life seems to be riddled with it. Seeds of doubt sowed into your mind as you toss and turn debating whether or not it’s worth all the additional stress. I liken fear to a childhood friend in that they either fade away, remaining as a shadow or become the shining sun Either way, we’re all well acquainted with fear. For some, that's the occasional jitters before a presentation whilst for others, it's full-blown panic attacks and crying at 3 am. Regardless of your initial response, it’s an inevitable part of life that we must somehow conquer
Fear is an odd emotion, it’s both enabling and disabling. The fear of failure often stops people from trying in the first place, but adversely, it can push you to strive for success We give fear a negative connotation because the image we depict it as is typically ourselves in (arguably) our worst moments. We never think about those triumphant moments, when we’ve conquered our greatest doubts, that heart-racing feeling that you get when you accomplish your goal and the flooding relief when you realise that it’s over We become so consumed by our thoughts that we spiral ourselves out of control. We become engulfed in our fears when in truth, we’re more than capable of achieving anything we set our minds to.
So when you do find yourself in a position where fear is blocking you, pause and breathe. The key to conquering fear is to simply embrace it and take a step towards it The only way to solve the root of the issue is to directly confront it and trust me when I say it’s worth it Don’t fret over the size or the direction of your step, just take one Big or small, left or right, just take it one step at a time. We only realise what we are truly capable of when we push ourselves outside of our comfort. So whatever it is that you fear, take a deep breath and know that you are more than capable of achieving it
PRIDE MONTH
C H L O E S I M P S O N
Pride month, a whole month dedicated to the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. But it is also a month to commemorate the long history of bigotry experienced by the community, to remember those pivotal in the civil rights movement, who paved the way for us to enjoy the celebration that is the month of June So what about here at Loreto? How do we celebrate Pride, and why is it so important to do so?
As many older students know, Loreto has actually never fully recognised and celebrated Pride, but this year this is changing. The Sincerity Group has been planning and preparing for June to be full of joy, as well as education about the LGBTQ+ community, so we can continue to strive towards a school community where diversity is welcomed with enthusiasm.
The LGBTQ+ community is still sorely lacking in representation and acknowledgement within society Pride month gives us the opportunity to come together and appreciate everyone for the beautiful human beings they are. We can reflect on how far we have come, but also look at how far we have to go and what we can do to get there. After all, the first ‘Pride’ was a riot, and for good reason. We are still fighting for equal rights and equal opportunities - by celebrating Pride here at Loreto, we tell all within the school community that we will continue working towards a better world for all
Why else is Pride important? There is still an undeniable excess of heteronormativity in society, so Pride month provides a reprieve from the pressure placed on the LGBTQ+ community to ‘conform’ and act as some may expect us to This provides a sense of welcoming and acceptance assuring people that they are worthy, valid, and loved.
The celebration of the LGBTQ+ community also allows for conversations to be had, and education to occur Many people are unknowingly discriminatory due to a genuine lack of understanding and knowledge. Pride month initiates discussion, enabling those in the community to share their voice and their story so that we can combat ignorance and misunderstanding as a united community The month of celebration opens up the space for questions, so we as a whole community can create a more welcoming and loving world This is one of our aims here at Loreto in celebrating Pride month: we hope to initiate a conversation that continues well beyond the month of June in order for the school to continue to progress, and become ever more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community
So how are you going to celebrate Pride?
A T H L E T I C S D A Y
Reflecting back to Term 1, Loreto held its first Athletics Carnival since 2019 This was due to COVID-19 restrictions, including hard lockdowns, resulting in the 2020 Carnival being cancelled, along with other events and social interaction in general The Carnival was something that I looked eagerly forward to after the disappointment of missing out in 2020
The buzz in the air was unmatchable for the whole day, but it was especially obvious when the 100-metre sprints took place The cheers could be heard from the other side of Llanberris as each year level took part, and watching some of the running talent on show was inspiring. I personally always enjoy running in the 100-metres and it’s a highlight of the day because everyone gets involved and wins points for their respective Houses In my race, I placed first which surprised me because there’s always tough competition Even when girls didn’t place, it was clear that they were still smiling and having a good time regardless. Sometimes, that’s what it’s all about- just having a go
As much as there was a focus on the formal events, the novelty events during the day were also a major highlight The egg and spoon races were a sight to behold, and the three-legged races were arguably just as competitive as the actual sprints The real standout however was the Year 12s Tug of War at the end of the day. Mulhall and Mornane battled it out for Tug of War bragging rights as the whole school cheered, and ultimately Mornane came out as the winners.
This win would prove to be temporary, unfortunately, as Ward House would later be announced to have come out ultimately victorious with Barry in a close second. Mornane did manage to win the spirit stick off Mulhall, who had won it previously at the Swimming Carnival early in Term 1. As a Year 9, it was no surprise to me that Milly Wakefield was deemed champion and Rosie Hunt the runner-up for our year level The two of them are always consistently fantastic competitors and have won this great award in the past.
Y E A R 8 M E D I E V A L D A Y R U B Y B R A D S H A W
On the 30th of April, all of Year 8 went on a bus and were taken to Kryal Castle for the day This was for our Humanities studies on Saxons, The Black Death, The Battle of Hastings, and so forth. At 9:00 AM we all got into our well designed medieval costumes and headed off for a fun day
When we arrived we met the staff and were told about the different modules These were: battle armour, calligraphy, leather making, making herb solutions in the apothecary, archery, learning about torture and finally nobility
In the battle armour module, we learned about the different kinds of armour and helmets as well as the pros and cons of armour over time In calligraphy, we had a really fun lesson where we practised writing with the quills and learnt about the history of writing and languages When we worked with leather, we wetted it, marked our initials on them and tied a knot around them so that we could use them as keychains to tie around our bags and keys.
We also worked at the apothecary which was great fun We got to look at herb solutions and learned when it was needed to fight off The Black Death We even got to make some of our own solutions using herbs
In the middle of the day we got to see a very exciting jousting match and after we got to go near the horses and give them a pat Then it was time for some more exciting activities!
In archery we learnt about the effects of using a bow and arrow in the many wars throughout medieval times We also got to practice using the bow and arrow on bales of hay, attempting to get a bullseye.
In the torture module it got a bit more gruesome where we learnt about how people were tortured for their crimes. It was much worse than today, for example in society today, we are innocent until proven guilty Back then, you were guilty until proven innocent and it was your word against your accuser’s
We also learnt about the nobility who had power in those times and others who had to listen to the nobility, work harder and earn much, much less.
This was such a fun day and we all had such a great time learning more about medieval times to help with our humanities work and we are so grateful to the Kryal Castle staff for making this day so fun
Y
E A R 9 S O C I A L B R I D I E N E W M A N
“One, two, three, throw. Back, two, three. Out, two, three and new partner, two, three."
After three dance lessons over the span of three weeks, the Year 9 Loreto girls partnered with the Year 9 St Patrick's College boys for the longawaited event: Year 9 Social! The event was filled with lots of fun, chatter, dancing and music, as well as a chance for students to make new friends, from both schools
The dance practices for the social were held on the 22nd and 29th of April and the 3rd of May, in the GBC from 4-5 pm after school For my friends and I, as well as many other students, it was quite nerve-racking yet exciting in the beginning We had to see quite a few boys from our various primary schools, whom we hadn't talked to for a few years.
To start, our dance instructor, Eric, had put us into two boys on circle, a introduc learning atmosph got to kn
Over the three dance practices, we learnt a total of four traditional partner dances: a Progressive Barn Dance, the Pride of Erin, a form of the Parma Waltz, and a form of the Heel and Toe Polka, as well as the Nutbush and the Macarena The practices, unfortunately, involved a lot of standing on each other's feet, as we learned how to coordinate ourselves with each other
Y
E A R 1 2 R E T R E A T
The Year 12 Retreat to Amberley in Melbourne was the perfect way to end an exhausting first term. The Edmund Rice Centre is a place of peace, in a tranquil bush setting with a view of the city on the horizon. The retreat was framed around five words: reclaim, bring, go, live, and create It was with these words that we ultimately reflected on how we would live in the world
Retreat was a time spent with friends In our free time we created songs, friendship bracelets, and plenty of inside jokes We even explored the centre (a fascinating mansion) from the spiral staircase to the boiler room Connections were also made with girls I had never really talked to, and it was simply beautiful. I won’t forget standing under the stars pouring our souls out to each other and feeling a deep bond.
I loved how everyone had something to enjoy. There were no obligations or restrictions on what you participated in In the evenings, some girls played hide-and-seek in the dark, while others gathered around the grand piano or in their rooms Some of the weak (including me) went to bed at 11 There were plenty who chatted around the atmospheric candlelight past midnight, covering a range of fascinating topics
During the day, the activities and sessions were just as interesting, like using people as statues to model the situation of people in your life, or playing a very largescale wink-murder Also, some girls volunteered to lead prayer These were beautifully inclusive and thoughtful One of the highlights of the student-led programme was the last liturgy, in which we worked together to create a series of reflections by candlelight including singing, poetry, and sending messages of love.
Love was the undermining theme. Sometimes it manifested itself philosophically, as in our discussion about the meaning of love, and sometimes it was simply in thoughtfulness, in opening your heart to someone else and giving something that will last long after we leave school at the end of this year
Retreat was equally a time for the self There were quiet times of self-awareness where we coloured mandalas or wrote letters to our future selves The letter-writing was challenging, as they are going to be sent to us before graduation mass But writing genuinely was irresistible: despite being coherent to only myself, it was an opportunity to be meditative and real.
This was entirely a time of realness. Every student and teacher was sincerely and honestly themselves, contributing feelings, thoughts, and an overarching, beautiful kindness For example, the first thing we pinned up on the wall were our brown paper bags We could write notes of any kind to put in each other’s bags Naturally this ended in my crying on the bus with my friend, because never had I received such candid and compassionate words that I will cherish forever
For me, Retreat summed up the best of Loreto The environment where you not only feel included and cared for, but also valued and loved, and able to express yourself, your opinion, and your emotions through opportunities of self-reflection and interaction like this retreat. To go into the future beyond school with something like this as a memory is an honour indeed.
L O R E T O C O L L E G E - S U P P O R
Loreto is a school that welcomes girls from all backgrounds and cultures That said, some of these girls require additional help and support in order to give them the best opportunities for education possible As a school that prides itself in providing personcentred learning for girls, Loreto delivers on this promise Ebony Ryan, a Year 7 student with Type 1 Diabetes (a chronic autoimmune condition in which an internal organ called the pancreas fails to produce the hormone Insulin), is one of many girls that the Loreto community continues to support with their learning every day.
What does Diabetes mean for your learning?
“Okay, to me Diabetes is something that takes over at times, makes it hard to learn new things especially when my blood sugar levels (BGL) is high or low because I’m not in class Diabetes can be really hard to manage at times and when it gets hard to control it gets hard to process things and it becomes difficult to focus.”
What has Loreto done to support you and your learning?
“Loreto has done so much to support me. When I’ve been low they have let me leave class to get the things that are needed Loreto has been really supportive and helpful when it comes to school work and when I’m falling behind, they try to help me and catch me up to everyone else So far I think I have teachers and friends that do care and that will support me when I need it.”
The Loreto community prides itself on its ability to empower girls like Ebony to engage in their learning despite the obstacles that chronic illness puts in their path. This is done through parent and student consultation, education of the student cohort and the availability of services that support the integration of girls with additional needs into the learning environment As a student with a chronic, lifelong condition, Ebony is constantly having to monitor her diabetes and keep her levels in range as it impacts her cognitive function and therefore her learning Loreto has helped Ebony to balance diabetes with personal interests and education As an active and positive engager of learning, Ebony is now able to enjoy physical activities and contribute in her classroom and we have people such as the First Aid Officer, Learning Diversity Officer and many committed, empathetic teachers and classmates to thank for it
“I’d like to thank all the staff at Loreto College for assisting and supporting my condition and helping me to be able to do the things I love doing ” -Ebony Ryan
A Y E A R 7 P E R S P E C T I V E O N 4 E K A M Y R O B I L L A R D
4EK is a very special event which raises awareness about meningococcal in memory of past student Emma Kate. We run or walk 4km around the lake, dressed in as much purple as possible, to show our support and to make people more conscious about meningococcal disease.
It was great fun walking 4EK with my friends I also liked being able to buy things such as hats and caps, which all had the 4EK logo on them I really enjoyed the event and I also liked the fitness aspect of the walk I asked a couple of my Year 7 friends what they thought of the 4EK walk, this is what they said
“I really liked the walk and walking with my friends. If there was one thing that could have made it better it would have been to have more things to buy I knew Emma because she was a helper at my dance school.”
Another student said,
“I liked how I didn’t have to do classwork. I didn't know who Emma Kate was but now know some of her Story ”
I think it is a really good thing that we are doing the 4EK walk because it keeps Emma’s memory alive, it also reminds the new Year 7 students about what a good person Emma was and how being a Loreto student makes us a part of a much bigger family.
I really enjoyed walking 4km around the lake The walk was fun, and I noticed how many people were running. I ran some of the walk myself but it was harder than it looked. It was really cool watching people run the whole 4kms. Loreto also used the 4EK walk as a way to see who was good enough for cross country I thought that was a clever idea
Even though 4EK is a reasonably large event at Loreto, if you were to ask a Year 7 student if they knew Emma, most of them would say no. I think the 4EK lap of the lake is a fantastic way to remember her, considering not many younger students had the chance to know her I think the walk is a fantastic idea and is so fun to be a part of. I am really excited to do it again next year, although I hope next year I can run a bit further I also look forward to eventually being in the senior grades so I can walk or run a further distance.
L O R E T O L A R K
The Loreto Lark is our school newspaper. A group of students from Loreto meet every week and write articles involving things around the school, including sports, special events and lunchtime and after school activities Every term a newspaper is published for others to read. The Lark allows parents and students of Loreto to stay connected to the school and aware of what is going on inside the gates of Loreto.
Coming to Loreto we both enjoyed writing and were hoping to find some sort of writing group at Loreto. When we found out about the Lark, we were excited to attend the first meeting of the year. When we arrived everyone was very welcoming and open to new ideas. There is a lot of hard work throughout the term leading up to producing the article. For the first term, we didn’t write an article, just so we could see what it was all about But this term we are writing a joint article together.
The Lark is filled with a creative group of students varying from year 7-12. Even though there is a range of different age groups everyone has one thing in common, we all love to write!
If you enjoy writing you should definitely come in and check it out. If you’re interested in coming to the Loreto Lark next term we meet every Thursday at recess in room SF125. If you have a school event that you would be interested in writing about, the Lark is for you.
Down:
1. Grandma will knit you one to keep you warm
2. Winter vehicle for off-road travel
3. Some animals do this all winter
4. White teddy
6. Covers for cozy hands
7. Strap two sticks on your feet and swosh down a hill
Q U I Z
Across:
2. No two are alike
5. Tuxedo with feathers
8. Light a fire here to keep warm on chilly days
9. Winter's favourite colour
10. Twelve sticks and one puck
11. Frost fellow with a carrot nose
What's the biggest animal in the world?
Which country is brie cheese originally from? What is Queen Elizabeth II's surname? Who did Anne Hathaway play in Les Miserables? What does He stand for on the periodic table?
Wordbank:
Acceptance
Aromantic
Asexual
Bisexual
CIS
Coming Out
Demisexual
Drag Queen
Orientation
Pansexual
Transgender
S T R A N G E R T H A N K S
Stranger Thanks is a page dedicated to thanking someone who may have brightened your day, helped you through a tough time or simply opened a door for you! Send through your submission for the next issue of Loreto Lark to newspaper@loreto.vic.edu.au. Please keep submission length to no more than 2 or 3 sentences.
Thank you Mrs Crowe for all the time you put in to ensuring the production could happen this year!
Chloe
Thank you Lockdown for cancelling the Year 11 exams:)
Zoe
Thank you Year 12 VCE students for your Theatre Studies performance.
Steph
Thank you Mr Nan and Mr Walsh for organising the Year 9 Dance Lessons. So glad COVID did not stop us!
Emma
Thank you girls for the beautiful rainbow heart in the last week of term!
Mary
Thank you TikTok for the hours of entertainment.
Charlotte
Thank you Year 11 students who continue to volunteer around the school. Can't wait until its my turn!
Emily
Thank you Mr Stow for all the behind the scenes work you did for the Production!
Alyssa
Thank you Year 8 staff for putting on a movie at lunch the last week of term. Was very nice to get out of the rain. Ella
T H E L O R E T O L A R K T E A M
Chief Editor - Gemma Richardson, and Ava Connally
Chief Digital Editors - Olivia Jones
A special thanks to all girls involved with articles and editing for this edition: Zoe Bartrum, Gemma Richardson, Chloe Simpson, Lillian (Lilly)
Tolfrey, Bridie Newman, Olivia Jones, Lucy Eales, Charlotte Kent, Ruby Bradshaw, Ava Connally, Freya Cosgriff, Sophia Dalton, Ann Chalakkal, Georgina Nash, Sienna Newman, Amy Robillard, and Montannah Ryan.
Do you have a story to share in the next Loreto Lark? Come along to our meetings on Thursday Recess in SF 125
Crossword Answers:
Quiz Answers
