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Loreto
Chronicle
The Year of Felicity
Volume 31 No.1 June 2016
From the Principal The Loreto College Board, under the leadership of Chair Mrs Diane Bukowski, has an explicit strategic goal to achieve Excellence in Teaching and Learning through the provision of relevant, engaging and challenging curricular and co-curricular programs that develop higher-order thinking skills, thoughtful dispositions and particular attributes for successful student learning in the pursuit of excellence. It is pleasing therefore to see our students continuing to achieve strong Year 12 results. Last year was no exception with one third of graduates achieving OP 1 to 5 and two thirds achieving OP 1 to 10. Such results confirm Loreto’s place as a leading provider of excellent education. They affirm the hard work and commitment of the students, the professionalism and guiding care of the staff, and the loving support of parents and families. As a Catholic school in the Mary Ward tradition, we are deliberate and purposeful in our efforts to nurture and embed a rich culture of thinking because we are all called to “be seekers of Truth”. Our culture of thinking promotes critical thinking, openness to learning and holistic development. These are essential elements in any search for deeper understanding and truth. As part of this emphasis, we have this year commenced the process of accreditation as an International Thinking School. Emeritus Professor Bob Burden from the University of Exeter says this involves learning how to think, reflectively, critically and creatively, and employing these skills and techniques in the co-construction of a meaningful curriculum and associated activities. Successful outcomes will be reflected in students across a wide range of abilities demonstrating independent and cooperative learning skills, high levels of achievement, and both enjoyment and satisfaction in learning. I look forward to keeping you informed as to our progress and thank you for your interest and encouragement. Mrs Cheryl Hamilton – Principal
T
his is an edited extract from the Felicity address by 2016 College Captains, Aislind Bell and Isabelle Orazio, at the Inaugural Mass.
To begin, we would like to acknowledge the Original Custodians of this land on which we have gathered. We would also like to acknowledge the Elders, both past and present, for the work they have done and will continue to do for our community. An integral part of our Loreto community is understanding Mary Ward’s five virtues of justice, freedom, sincerity, verity and felicity. As we focus on Felicity in 2016, it is important to explore it in depth so we can successfully embody this virtue. While on the surface, felicity means joy, celebration, laughing with friends and being cheerful, it has a more complex meaning. The Loreto Schools of Australia’s Mission Statement describes felicity as an attitude of mind, a disposition of the heart which manifests itself in cheerfulness, good humour, joy, happiness, hope, optimism, friendliness, courtesy, positive thinking, inner peace, self-acceptance and courage. The 2016 motto that represents this virtue is “Joy springs from an open mind and generous heart”. An open mind refers to being optimistic and accepting, not only of others but also yourself. A generous heart suggests someone who is willing to give
2016 College Captains Aislind Bell & Isabelle Orazio
to others. She is selfless yet still embodies self-acceptance and self-respect. Felicity also means resisting negative qualities such as: self-pity, self-centeredness, envy, apathy and cynicism. This year the Catholic Church is celebrating a Holy Year focusing on the theme of mercy. Pope Francis stated that, God is always presented as full of joy, especially when he pardons, and that To let go of anger, wrath, violence, and revenge are necessary conditions to living joyfully. The concept of mercy directly relates to our virtue of Felicity as it is through forgiveness and generosity that we find true happiness and peace. To mark the beginning of the Holy Year, the Pope walks through a holy door and invites everyone else to do the same. Has anyone noticed the yellow and blue extension from the side door of our chapel? This is our Loreto holy door. We encourage you to walk through this door often, knowing that as you do so, you are asking for forgiveness and mercy, and recognizing that “Joy springs from an open mind and a generous heart”.
A Loreto ‘Holy Door’ for the Year of Mercy
Aislind Bell & Isabelle Orazio
Be seekers of truth and doers of justice