Spirit December 2021

loreto kirribilli Number 87, December 2021

loreto.nsw.edu.au

• justice • sincerity • verity • felicity • freedom • justice • sincerity • verity • felicity • freedom •

Sports Assembly

Junior School Problem Solving Day

Junior School Anzac Day

Junior School Solar Buddies

Senior School Athletics Carnival

May Day

Senior School Athletics Assembly

Da Vinci Decathlon

Junior School Mothers' Day Liturgy

Music Festival Adjudications

Junior School Athletics Carnival

Year 11 Modern History Q Station

Junior School National Storytime

Vex Robotics World Championships

200 Years of Catholic Education in Australia

Gifted Awareness Week, Caro Meldrum-Hanna ('99)

Year 8 STEM Project Launch

Year 9 Charism Reconciliation Day

Interhouse Public Speaking Competition

Motor Neurone Disease Fundraiser

Gelato Day

Music Festival House Choir Adjudications

Junior School Concert

Year 10 Subject Selection Expo

Year 8 French Cooking Incursion

Junior School Tech Challenge

Year 12 Holiday Hymn

Junior School Online Disco Assembly

100 Days of Kindy

Junior School Science Week

Workout Wednesday Online

Senior School Library Book Week

Year 12 HSC Music Showcase

Year 12 Take a Break Day

Junior School Wellbeing Week - Felicity Friday

Junior School Grandparents' Week

Class of 2021 'Ringing of the Bell'

Year 6 Tech Girls are Superheroes

Back to School Term 4

Volunteers' Lunch

Year 11 Reflection Day

Senior Ribbons

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Loreto Kirribilli

contents

SPIRIT - PRINT OR DIGITAL? Loreto Kirribilli has always managed its resources carefully with the future in mind. Our Spirit magazine is available both digitally and in printed hard copy.

THE PRINCIPAL

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SHARING OUR FAITH

4

MAY DAY

8

SOCIAL JUSTICE

10

JUNIOR SCHOOL CONCERT

12

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

14

JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNING

15

JUNIOR SCHOOL SOCIAL JUSTICE

20

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT

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SENIOR SCHOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL

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YEAR 12 GRADUATION

24

YEAR 12 NEW STUDENT LEADERS

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SENIOR SCHOOL LEARNING

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SCIENCE WEEK K-12

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DIGITAL

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HARD COPY

We will continue to also mail a printed version to you, unless you opt out. If you are happy to receive and read your Spirit digitally, please opt out of the print version.

TO OPT OUT OF RECEIVING A PRINTED COPY BY MAIL

Opt out by contacting us via: • email info@loreto.nsw.edu.au • phone +61 2 9957 4722 • mail C ommunications Office Loreto Kirribilli 85 Carabella Street Kirribilli NSW 2061 You only need to opt out once.

Note: We will continue to send you each issue until you opt out.

Contributions for inclusion in Spirit should be sent to: Communications at Loreto Kirribilli 85 Carabella Street, Kirribilli NSW 2061 Phone +61 2 9957 4722 communications@loreto.nsw.edu.au Cover: Year 12 2021 Graduation (see page 24)

DASH 34 STUDENT ADVOCACY

36

STUDENT WELLBEING

38

SENIOR SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

40

EXTRA-CURRICULAR HIGHLIGHTS

41

FUTURE OF LEARNING

44

INNOVATION CENTRE BUILDING UPDATE

45

RETIREMENTS 46 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

48

LK CONNECT

49

PARENTS & FRIENDS

50

SHARING OUR COMMUNITY

52

EX-STUDENTS' UNION

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EX-STUDENTS' NEWS

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The Principal mrs anna dickinson

Perhaps the word which has dominated conversations and many media articles over the past two years has been unprecedented. As a society, we struggled to understand the pandemic which hit our world back in 2020 and its impact on the way we live our lives. At a local level, we grappled successfully with the challenges with which we were presented in continuing to provide a quality Loreto education for our students.

appreciation and admiration for all who have ensured that our students continued to receive the quality care

The significant impact of the second wave of the virus required a severe lockdown across NSW and the need to continue to rapidly adapt to a different way of living. We look back at 2021 in sadness at lives lost in our own country and around the world, but with gratitude and admiration for those scientists and health workers working ceaselessly on the development of vaccines whilst caring for our sick and dying.

and support staff for the hours of

I am very proud of the way our staff and students demonstrated resilience, creativity, agility and compassion throughout these challenging months as they reverted to remote online learning. I look back on this year at Loreto Kirribilli with a deep

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and education which are the hallmarks of our wonderful school.

The staff of Loreto Kirribilli have been nothing short of outstanding. In acknowledging the work of staff, I particularly express my thanks to our Deputy Principal, Mr Daniel Mahon, the School Executive team, Senior School and Junior School teachers work they have invested in ensuring a smooth continuation of learning for our students. I am truly blessed to be supported by such outstanding, hardworking, caring staff - a wonderful team!

I also acknowledge with deep appreciation the support of the parent body and all that they did for their daughters throughout 2021.

While the pandemic has affected everybody differently, there are some clear lessons and common themes emerging from NSW and around the world, particularly that face-to-face learning with an expert teacher is the ideal learning environment. Being at school with their teachers and peers

is vital for student wellbeing as well as social and emotional development.

We therefore were delighted when the NSW Government and Health released the roadmap for the return of students to school sites. It is with deep appreciation that I acknowledge our COVID-19 task force and maintenance teams for preparing for the safe return of our students and staff in Week 3 of Term 4. COVID-safe plans were developed which included keeping students isolated within year cohorts, managing movement around the site, mask wearing, requiring all staff to be vaccinated, natural ventilation solutions as well as purchasing HEPA ventilation units for each room throughout the entire school. As we awaited the girls’ arrival, we were confident that everything that could possibly be considered for the safety of our students and staff was in place.

Standing at the gate and welcoming the girls back to our school site will be an experience I will remember for many years to come. The girls’ eyes peeping out above their masks revealed a range of emotions, some arrived quite apprehensively while others were excited to see their friends and teachers. As the week unfolded,

the girls relaxed, appeared happy and settled back into their normal routines.

While adhering to all NSW restrictions, we were delighted to be able to return Year 12 at the end of Term 3 for a short period within class groups. We felt it was important that the girls experience some of the ‘rites of passage’ of previous graduating classes; that is, ‘Ringing of the school bell’, being presented with graduation gifts, and photo opportunities with their friends and Year class teachers. The girls enjoyed and expressed their appreciation for all the special moments we created which included the online Graduation Ceremony Prelude.

In the final Spirit article each year, I acknowledge the special qualities of each graduating class. This year has a particular poignancy in doing so.

These outstanding young women have experienced the most unusual and challenging final two years of their education. Throughout this entire experience they have modelled outstanding leadership, demonstrating resilience and fortitude whilst balancing the demands of the HSC and all its uncertainty. With a determined mindset they were eager to serve the school community while remaining focused on their academic pursuits.

They supported and cared for one another and the younger students in the school, confidently voicing suggestions and solutions to the challenges we faced, as well as finding ways to elicit joy and positivity. We look forward to celebrating with the Class of 2021 in the first week of the 2022 school year with a very special Graduation Jubilarian and Award Ceremony followed by the Blue and Gold Graduation Dinner.

Next year will also see us building upon our longstanding relationship with our neighbour St Aloysius’ College with a new program called Companions in Learning. With a foundation of common Catholic and educational values in the Ignatian tradition, Companions in Learning will serve as a platform for the two schools to work together on extra-curricular experiences across four important pillars: Social Justice; Community Engagement; Respectful Relationships; and Academic Companionship.

We are excited by the potential of Companions in Learning to deliver new experiences that will help form and prepare our girls for the outside world.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the change of leadership in the Junior School. As many would be aware, Ms Alison Brent stepped down from the position of Head of Junior School due to significant health challenges after leading the Junior School with distinction for 14 years. I thank Alison for her exceptional leadership and passion for the education of young people. She has had a wonderful impact on the lives of so many children, teachers and support staff, and her deep faith and educational leadership have been a gift to Loreto Kirribilli. We extend to Alison our deepest appreciation, blessings and best wishes for the future. Earlier this term we farewelled Mr Martin Lobo, who generously stepped out of retirement to become acting Head of Junior School during the senior leadership transition period. We appreciate the joy and energy Martin brought to our community, and are grateful for the talents he generously shared with each of us. After a

significant recruitment search, we were delighted to appoint Mrs Sharon Portlock and welcomed her to the role of Head of Junior School at the commencement of Term 4. The Junior School is truly blessed to have had the continuation of strength of leadership in the Head of Junior School as well as the leadership, support and dedication of the management team and staff.

As we go to press, I am also pleased to congratulate our talented Mock Trial team who are 2021 Grand Final Champions. Loreto Kirribilli have now won the prestigious competition for two of the last three years - an outstanding achievement!

Finally, I conclude with a note of hope.

I am sure you will see throughout this edition of Spirit, articles and photos that reflect a community, that even during the most challenging of circumstances, is one of spirit, hope and optimism - a community that inspires me each and every day.

The following prayer of hope was one I shared with staff recently and now gift to you.

I wish you all a holy, happy and hope-filled Christmas.

Lord Jesus, Hope overcomes Hope heals Hope restores Hope inspires Hope conquers Hope frees Hope is your gift to the world.

Amen.

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Sharing our Faith

EX-STUDENTS' UNION MOTHER DAUGHTER MASS

Over 900 students and ex-students of all generations joined us for our Ex-Students' Union Mother Daughter Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral - a record attendance for Loreto Kirribilli. Our choir delighted the congregation with the most beautiful music filling the cathedral space, deepening the prayerful experience for all.

200 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA

A music-filled mass at St Mary’s Cathedral Sydney was held to mark 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. Students from Junior School and Senior School joined representatives from each of the 17 schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney. Educators and dignitaries from all walks of life attended the nationwide celebration, to thank God and acknowledge the contribution Catholic education has made in the building of Australia as a progressive nation.

OUR JUNIOR ALTAR SERVERS

At a Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated by Fr Ross Jones SJ, we formally inducted and blessed our Junior School Altar Servers, committed to serve the Loreto community at our Liturgies.

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Sharing our Faith

JUNIOR SCHOOL MOTHERS’ DAY LITURGY

The Junior School Mothers' Day Liturgy was a wonderful celebration of motherhood. Every seat was filled in Centenary Hall for heartfelt prayers and beautiful music.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Our Years 2 and 3 girls received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our School Chapel, in a wonderful celebration with parents presenting their daughters at the altar of sacramental forgiveness. Fr Ross Jones SJ from St Aloysius’ College and Fr Ramesh Richards SJ Director of Cardoner House, Broadway joined us in this celebration, sharing poignant reflections on the parable of the Prodigal Son, reinforcing that there is no limit to God’s patience and generosity.

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Sharing Our Faith farewell sister noni mitchell ibvm am Sr Noni Mitchell ibvm was a beloved member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary community, former Province Leader, Superior General, ex-student and Principal of Loreto Kirribilli.

Sr Noni was an extraordinary presence throughout her long life. “She was a true Mary Ward woman,” says Wendy Hildebrand ibvm, Province Leader Australia and South East Asia. “She was prepared to blaze new trails in finding creative ways of serving God.”

Her strong views were grounded in theology, educational and social theory, and Ignatian spirituality. She spoke as a woman of conviction. ‘The facts are friendly’ was one of her oft-quoted sayings.

Born in Belmont, New South Wales on 12 October 1928, Sr Noni attended the three Loreto Schools of Ballarat, SR DEIRDRE BROWNE IBVM Claremont and Coorparoo before completing her education at Loreto Kirribilli. She went on to study Medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating at the age of 22. After her residency, and three years in general practice in rural South Australia, Sr Noni decided to enter religious life. She joined the Loreto Sisters on 13 June 1954, assuming the religious name of John Bosco. She began her teaching career in the junior years at Loreto Normanhurst, teaching many subjects, and eventually becoming Head of Science, teaching full time between Normanhurst and Kirribilli.

In 1970 she was appointed to the role of Principal at Loreto Kirribilli, but before long she was seconded to be Principal of Christ College Melbourne, a newlyfounded Catholic teachers' college. Sr Noni was first and foremost a leader - in education, religious life and the Church. She had a considerable impact on education across Australia, involved in the writing of textbooks, developing the Wyndham scheme integrated science syllabus, and serving on many significant state and federal education boards and committees. Her outstanding contribution to education was recognised in 1997 by an honorary doctorate from the Australian Catholic University, and a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award from the Commonwealth Government. A long-serving Provincial Leader of Loreto Australia, Sr Noni was also General Superior of the IBVM for two terms in Rome.

Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm said in her eulogy, “You truly have been to us a leader beyond compare. Well done, good and faithful friend!”

Colour on Canvas Read Sr Deirdre Browne's eulogy for Sr Noni here: www.loreto.nsw.edu.au/documents/113/Noni eulolgy by Deidre Browne.pdf

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Sharing Our Faith Helen Thomas | Director of Mission

YEAR 10 EMMAUS SERVICE MINISTRY

Service is intimately linked to the culture of encounter, referred to frequently

by Pope Francis. This is the Emmaus experience; seeing Christ in others is a realisation that service is an ‘other-centred’ encounter, whether the ‘other’ is the earth, the elderly, the marginalised or our First Nations' People. Emmaus Service Ministry is engaging the head, heart and hands. Our Year 10 Emmaus Service Ministry Retreat took place in a COVID-safe way this year.

In the week where the Australian Catholic Bishops endorsed the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Year 10 had the opportunity to engage with Wandana Aboriginal Education. Beginning with a sweeping ceremony, the girls then participated in painting their own journey stones using Aboriginal symbols, and were also taught a traditional dance. In the afternoon, the girls demonstrated their faith in action as they prepared Birthing Kits, wrapped Christmas hamper gifts and made rosary beads and blankets for Wrap With Love.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

We congratulate and thank the 24 Year 11 students who have volunteered to serve our school community as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They are called to be servants of Christ and strive to grow in faith and holiness through this sacrament of unity and love. The girls were commissioned during our Friday morning Liturgies in November.

YEAR 11 REFLECTION DAY

Our Year 11 students had the opportunity to engage in a Reflection Day in preparation for their Year 12 retreat in 2022. The day was filled with fun, prayer, reflection and sharing, with the focus of the day being Dadirri, which means 'deep listening'.

The Reflection Day was God’s time or ‘Kairos time’ - an opportunity to reflect on relationships with others, ourselves and God. It is a time to become aware of our present surroundings, inner thoughts and emotions. It is a time to stop and be mindful and kind.

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May Day HELEN THOMAS | DIRECTOR OF MISSION As is our tradition, we honour Mary, Mother of God, during the month of May. Mother Gonzaga Barry wrote about this tradition in her homeland, Ireland, where children gathered flowers from the fields to decorate shrines dedicated to Mary.

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May Day Harper Gracie & Sophie Bateman | School Captain & Vice Captain Overall, May Day was filled with felicity, incredible school spirit and generosity, allowing us to enjoy ourselves in celebration of Mary, whilst also supporting our friends in TimorLeste; the true spirit of May Day.

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Social Justice RECONCILIATION WEEK

To commemorate 21 years since the Reconciliation Walk across the Harbour Bridge, a group of our Year 9 students walked across the bridge, and then paid a visit to St Mary’s Cathedral.

Students also engaged in workshops unpacking Jessica Johnson’s artwork Action, which tells a story of land and community. Students created a Sea of Hands around the Mary Ward statue, a symbolic gesture of our obligation to work for reconciliation with our Nation’s First Peoples.

WINTER SLEEP OUT

OUR BIG KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS

On a chilly August night, our Loreto Kirribilli community supported the Vinnies' Winter Appeal by joining the Family Winter Sleepout @Home. Over 50 students joined in this worthwhile event and challenged themselves by sleeping outside, sleeping rough around the house or spending some time outside in the cold. The support for Vinnies through our fundraising page was heart-warming.

Seven of our Year 11 students had the opportunity to spend time during the school holidays volunteering at Our Big Kitchen. Our Big Kitchen is a community kitchen in the heart of Bondi which inspires individuals to come together to help people in need. Last year over 120,000 meals were made and distributed to disadvantaged Australians.

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HAMPER DRIVE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

In a collaboration with Youth off the Streets in Macquarie Fields, our students donated and sorted care hampers packed with stationery supplies, books, toiletries, toys and packaged food for First Nations' communities under stress in Wilcannia and Dubbo.

Social Justice

SWIMMING FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

BEANIE AND SLIPPERS DAY

Congratulations to an incredible student group, the Loreto Kirribilli All Nighters (LK All Nighters) who went the extra mile in the 2021 Sydney MS Mega Swim, a 24-hour relay event, raising vital funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis. This dedicated and passionate team, captained by Eve Doolan, swam for the 24 hours of the event, all throughout the night and raised an incredible $12,739 for people living with multiple sclerosis.

It certainly was a comfy day for the Junior School! Resplendent in multi-coloured beanies and snuggly slippers, the girls brought a gold coin to donate to Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA).

TEACHERS VS STUDENTS ‘FAMILY FEUD’

HOUSE OF WELCOME

DONUTS FOR DEFORESTATION

The House of Welcome is a refuge for asylum seekers run by the Josephite Justice Network. A donation from the Loreto Kirribilli community gave several refugee families an outing to Taronga Zoo. For many, especially the children, it was their first time at any zoo and the experience of being up close with the animals was exhilarating.

The Year 9 elective, Thinking and Advocacy, is an opportunity for students to learn about a range of global issues and develop skills in advocating for change. The students' popular Krispy Kreme donut sale raised money for the fight against deforestation, with proceeds going to Greenpeace.

The motor neurone disease (MND) fundraiser organised by Sarah Scalercio (Year 10), Ward Captains and the Student Executive was a fantastic community-building fundraiser. It helped raise awareness of MND, and raised much needed funds for research into this most debilitating disease.

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Junior School Concert AMELIA GRANTURCO | JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER The Junior School Concert at the Sydney Town Hall was truly a once-in-a lifetime magical experience. A Night of Majesty involved every single student from Kindergarten to Year 6, singing, dancing, acting and performing with talent, energy, exuberance, effort and co-operation. What a majestic evening!

I especially loved my costume. The light up skirts, black leggings and love heart shirts were so special when it was dark, and the skirts lit up. My parents who watched the performance utterly enjoyed it. Especially all the surprise items like the Flash Video. I loved the Concert! I loved the lights, the cameras, and the excited energy. ISABELLA VASS (YEAR 6)

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Junior School Concert Bright lights flashing in my eyes as I hear the applause of the audience clapping us along with the beat of the music.

When performing on the stage with everybody beside me having the time of their lives I felt like nothing could stop me. Every single Junior School student was on the stage at Sydney Town Hall performing like no other. EVIE COOK (YEAR 5)

My favourite moment was Year 3, because I believe we danced like pros.

My second favourite moment was Magical Minis because they were very cute. My third favourite moment was when Felicity got crowned Queen because she was kind, caring and full of humour. The whole concert was a hit, but these were my three favourite moments. ALEXANDRA O’GORMAN (YEAR 3)

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Head of Junior School MRS SHARON PORTLOCK

A WARM WELCOME

Joining Loreto Kirribilli as Head of Junior School at the beginning of Term 4 was certainly an unusual start! There were no students on campus - they were all engaged in the remote online learning program. However, I was able to join online with the students and teachers and I felt accepted by all.

It was so special and very exciting to welcome our students back to school in Week 4 after so many weeks at home.

My first impressions of Loreto Kirribilli are that the girls are focused and engaged learners who love being at school.

They are happy, excited, polite and respectful. The Year of Felicity is being lived out by the staff and students through their interactions and actions. I can see and feel the joy that the students bring to this community.

I am also so impressed with our teachers and how well they know their students. They are committed to providing differentiated, meaningful learning experiences that stretch the girls in a supportive environment.

CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS

As much as I enjoy working with and collaborating with the amazing and highly professional staff here at Loreto Kirribilli, my favourite part of the role is connecting with the students. They bring such joy through their smiles, laughter and resilience as they overcome challenges and flourish. There is such potential in every student and being part of their educational journey and watching them grow and thrive is energising and inspiring.

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I value student voice and therefore I treasure the time I spend listening to the students on the playground or at SRC meetings. Their ideas and initiative are important and we need to support them in bringing their ideas to life, as these students are our future and we want them to be confident and passionate to make a difference in the world.

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

Education of the whole person is fundamental in developing the spiritual, intellectual, and social needs of each student. In educating the whole person, students are transformed as they strive for personal excellence, act with justice and compassion, value the dignity of others and think and act optimistically and respectfully.

Our educational programs equip our students with skills that they will need in the future. It is important we teach students how to learn, and to support them to be critical and creative thinkers, collaborators and effective communicators.

Junior School Learning

AUTHOR SUSANNE GERVAY

THE GIFT OF LIGHT

JUNIOR SCHOOL GARDENING CLUB

Year 6 students ventured to the Senior School library to listen to author Susanne Gervay speak about her latest book, Heroes of the Secret Underground – a gripping Middle Grade Holocaust novel based on Susanne’s parents’ childhood and their escape from Budapest during WW2.

Year 5 Loreto Kirribilli students are playing their part in helping the more than 1.4 billion people globally who live without power. In partnership with the Origin Energy Foundation, students constructed solar powered lights, known as ‘SolarBuddies’, which will enable children in Papua New Guinea to study long after the sun goes down.

With trowels and seeds at the ready, gardening gloves on and armed with watering cans, our intrepid Loreto Kirribilli Gardening Club set out to conquer the world of vegetable growing. Although we have not yet categorically “won” the war, we can safely say that we are learning lots and smiling brightly as we valiantly battle our numerous enemies (slugs, snails, building work relocation and frosts to name a few).

With humour and heartfelt moments, Susanne shared insights into her journey as a writer and as an advocate for children’s literature. Her incredible warmth and passion to empower young people to make a difference in this world was evident, and her positive outlook after overcoming adversity was truly inspiring.

I was fascinated by her life story and felt different emotions. One minute I was excited, then sad and then empowered. ELIANA MOSS (YEAR 6)

Designed especially for children, the lights are easy to operate, carry and charge. Without them, communities are forced to rely on fossil fuel sources like kerosene and diesel which are toxic, expensive and damaging to the environment.

"These SolarBuddy lights will help children living in energy poverty to continue studying long after the sun goes down, improving their education outcomes and overall health and wellbeing", commented Martin Lobo, Acting Head of Junior School.

The girls also enjoyed a visit to St Aloysius' to meet the boys involved in their long-established Gardening Club. Not only did our girls impart some of their handy tips, but they learned a great many more from their Aloysius' counterparts, including the enormous benefits of compost in enhancing vegetable growth.

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Junior School Learning LINDA WALBURN | ASSISTANT HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL REMOTE LEARNING TERM 3

JUNIOR SCHOOL ONLINE ASSEMBLIES – LKJS NEWS

We created a wonderful term of remote learning in the Junior School!

Through the difficult time for all of our families and staff, the true champions were our wonderful teaching team.

Mr Lobo and I had the opportunity to literally pop into the live sessions and just stay on mute and observe the teachers in action online, from large group sessions with the whole class, to small groups, or even listening to the 1:1 reading.

Adding the specialist lessons to the timetable also strengthened the variety of activities for students. It certainly did take a village to bring this all together. From challenging Maths break-out groups to reading and writing, cooking, wellbeing and art lessons, the girls were exposed to a range of learning tasks each day.

Our famous weekly Junior School Assemblies were held online each Friday at 8.45am. During the assembly the weekly news was shared, and adopted a different theme each week.

From dressing up in green and gold for the Tokyo Olympics, Dance Fever, Science Week, Sustainability Week, Book Week to Grandparents’ Day, we covered so many fun topics!.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ONLINE!

The Junior School extra-curricular program continued to thrive remotely with dance, music lessons, chess and even taekwondo sessions all available online. One activity that the staff had to look after was the very special Junior School Garden.

In the background, our Year 6 Student Leaders prepared a myriad of amazing short videos around which Mr Lobo and I could weave a wonderful script.

The Anthem was rehearsed in a First Nations' language, collated by amazing Ms Granturco. The Junior School Song was also collated with students singing online at home, so whilst we could not sing together, we could sing loudly from home.

We delivered LK JS News each week online, not only to the students but to families, grandparents and pets too!

Our online assemblies were also totally interactive as the students could upload photos of their dress up antics onto our CH@LK Playground page to share.

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Junior School Learning LINDA WALBURN | ASSISTANT HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL JUNIOR SCHOOL FELICITY FRIDAY FUNDAY

We held our first exciting Felicity Friday Funday. This was a House based competition led by our Year 6 House Leaders. Each class had a specific list of activities for the day, and then they uploaded photos of themselves via the CH@LK playground page to earn House points. Some fabulous outfits were created at home!

100 DAYS OF KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATED ONLINE!

We celebrated 100 Days of Kindergarten online. The finale of a day of action packed celebration was a homemade individual cupcake shared online with Mrs Dickinson and Mr Lobo.

TOUR DE LORETO RACE

FAREWELL MR LOBO

We launched a very important active initiative with our Tour de Loreto. You may have heard of the Tour de France, the famous annual cycle race through the French countryside, but we held our very own virtual bike race, to cover the 1600km to visit our Junior School friends at Loreto Toorak Melbourne and Loreto Normanhurst Sydney. Each student was able to log in their daily scoot or ride and upload a photo. Congratulations Year 3, our 2021 winners! The active Tour de Loreto provided the perfect wellbeing motivation each day as there was no better time to stop, breathe and take some time to really focus on the importance of our wellbeing.

We finished Term 3 on a wonderful note as we farewelled Mr Lobo. From musical performances and songs (with a few words changed) to beautiful prayers and blessings, it was so lovely to watch his face beam as he enjoyed sharing the memories of his time with us. The Junior School staff created online classroom visits with poems and songs, all which helped to make Mr Lobo’s week so magical. Mr Poppy, Rapper, Olympiad, Handstand, Limbo Lobo – a heartfelt thank you for seeing a need to be with us and doing an amazing job every day just for us! We wish you the very best with your next chapter travelling around the world to be with your beautiful family.

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Junior School Learning BOOK WEEK

Book Week’s online format this year did not dampen the enthusiasm of our Junior School literary enthusiasts! Thank you students, parents, and grandparents for taking the time to rummage through wardrobes, sew outfits and paint faces to create your favourite book characters.

The costumes were truly spectacular!

The students are to be congratulated for their genuinely engaged and lively participation in all activities on offer. I am particularly proud that all students in the Junior School have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2021, and will be awarded a certificate by the NSW Premier to acknowledge their reading success.

Joanna Staikos Junior School Teacher Librarian TECH & STEM CHALLENGE DAY

At the Junior School’s very first Interschool Tech Challenge, students from Year 6 collaborated with their peers from St Aloysius’ and Redlands Cremorne to creatively design solutions for several STEM-based activities incorporating drones and the Sphero robot. Each task was highly engaging and provided students with the opportunity for creative problemsolving.

Throughout each activity, students documented their process. Their final task was to present their findings to the group. Reflecting on the day’s success, the students agreed that they had been positively challenged and were very keen to participate all over again.

NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME … FROM SPACE!

National Simultaneous Storytime is a yearly fun event organised by the Australian Library and Information Association to celebrate the importance of reading. This year NASA astronaut Shannon Walker read out the story from the International Space Station. The story was Give me Some Space! by Australian author, Philip Bunting. This intergalactic adventure took place in classrooms across the Junior School, and the Year 6 Library Leaders were invited to join Year 7 in the Senior School Library. The audience was also privileged to hear from Dr Jonathon Mascorella about his experiences during the 2018 NASA school expedition for senior students.

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Junior School Tech Girls MARIA EMMI | E-LEARNING TEACHER EDUCATOR

This year our Year 6 students were engaged in a program called Techgirls are Superheroes!, a competition designed to encourage more girls to develop an interest in STEM careers. The program, which runs across Australia and New Zealand, builds student ability to work collaboratively in the design of a mobile application (app). Loreto Kirribilli is one of the only schools to integrate the program into the curriculum.

The students begin the project with a Design Thinking workshop run by the Academy of Enterprising Girls. They then work on a real world problem, thinking up an idea for an app that could resolve it. They work with a business mentor to develop a business plan, along with coding and creating the app.

They design the logo, create a promotional video and a video to demonstrate the app in action.

More than 20 amazing mentors, from all aspects of industry - CFOs, founders, women working in artificial intelligence and leading all sorts of projects shared their expertise, in person and online, helping to build in our students 21st century skills.

The results have been outstanding with seven of the Year 6 Techgirls teams making it as finalists for NSW. Six teams were also selected as displaying a solution to one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Congratulations to our Year 6 team of Lily Broe, Amy Lloyd, Ava Prentice and Elizabeth Murray for winning a Highly Commended Award for NSW. The team developed 'Charity Run', an idea to support charities while developing personal fitness.

The team explained the goals of their app: “Charity Run is a fitness and donation app. Our two areas of impact are our community and people living in poverty.

Charity runs start you off by getting you up and running. You can track how far you’re running, you can make goals for yourself and you can unlock prizes.

Whilst getting fit and healthy you can also donate money to charity.

Every five kilometres you run money is raised. You can set goals on how much you would like to raise and also unlock donating achievements. Each month there is a different charity that donations go to.”

According to the judges there were many quality entries this year. Our girls did really well. Listening to some of them chatting about their work and how they overcame challenges really displayed the depth of learning that went beyond the knowledge of content. The Techgirls project has so many learning dispositions in action.

We not only have amazing entrepreneurs in the making, but our girls have shown that they are also humanitarians, ready to help change the world for the better.

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Junior School Social Justice MISSION DAY

Our annual Mission Day is the Junior School’s major fundraiser for Mary Ward International.

This year it was a little different in style. A special online Mission Day Liturgy was followed by raffles for some wonderful hampers created by our Year 6 team. The girls’ costumes were outstanding, with each class creating their own theme for the day. After lunch the whole school settled down - with popcorn! - to watch the Junior School Concert A Night of Majesty movie. How we all enjoyed reliving that wonderful night once more! Despite the scaled down event, our school managed to raise almost $8,000 for Mary Ward International’s schools in Timor and other parts of the world.

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Junior School Sport 100M CHAMPIONSHIP

1st Ava Prentice 2nd Lily Broe 3rd Chiara Crino FIELD CHAMPION

1st Virginia Dixon 2nd Annabelle Croll 3rd Ava Prentice TRACK CHAMPION

1st Alexandra Bova 2nd Chiara Crino 3rd Ava Prentice JUNIOR CHAMPION

1st Alexandra Bova 2nd Ava Duignan 3rd Andie Kennard SENIOR CHAMPION

1st Ava Prentice 2nd Virginia Dixon 3rd Chiara Crino SPIRIT AWARD

1st

Barrry

CHAMPION HOUSE AWARD

1st

Heaton

JUNIOR SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Glorious autumnal weather shone down on the SOPAC at Homebush, where many sporting legends have practised and fine-tuned their talents. Not only did the girls participate in track and field events giving it their all, they cheered and screamed in a spirit of camaraderie to spur on their colour house to victory.

YEAR SIX PLAY TOUCH FOOTBALL VS ST ALOYSIUS’

After a couple of afternoons of skills and drills sessions, our representative touch football team was ready to take on the Year 6 team from St Aloysius’! Cheered on by the rest of Year 6 and some Year 5 girls, it was an enjoyable afternoon with some friendly rivalry between boys and girls and brothers and sisters.

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Senior School Music Festival

The 2021 Music Festival at the International Convention Centre on 16 June was an extraordinary evening displaying the felicity of the Loreto Kirribilli community. The joy-filled performances by the numerous choirs, ensembles and soloists demonstrated the talents of our students. Congratulations to all our performers not only for a wonderful concert, but also for the cooperation and consideration shown throughout the entire day of rehearsals. Thank you to all those families who donated to the Mary Ward International COVID-19 appeal for India with their ticket purchases.

Adrienne Grimes Head of Performance

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... one of the greatest displays of talent and spirit that the Loreto community has to offer. Leading our house as Music Captains has been an unforgettable experience and an opportunity we are so grateful for. We are incredibly proud of the Barry girls, and the hard work and dedication they put into House Choir was made evident in their amazing performance.

GRETA PERRIGNON & CHARLOTTE BLACKLEY

Senior School Music Festival

We were so proud to watch the girls perform the song and prayer, a reflection of their support and commitment to one another. To win the Spirit and Music Festival Shield this year is only a testament to the incredible talent and passion of Heaton.

OLIVIA JACOBS & KAITLYN LEE

... an incredible opportunity for our community to gather and celebrate in the felicity and sheer talent of our school. Performing on stage with the wonderful Milson House Choir was an unforgettable experience, and we hope everyone in the audience and the choir enjoyed it as much as we did!

RAQUEL GERBER & LYDIA COLLA

There’s something so special about the Music Festival which has the capacity to unify our whole school. Unified in house spirit and Loreto tradition, the girls embodied an unwavering dedication and felicitous spirit in their performance that was extremely humbling to be a part of.

We dedicate the House Choir Cup as a symbol of our shared Loreto spirit.

AUDREY SOO & ISABELLA SATUR

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Year 12 Graduation Congratulations class of 2021

The second week of September was a very special week for the Loreto Kirribilli Class of 2021.

The week began early on Monday morning when the first group of Year 12 students arrived on campus to continue the time-honoured tradition of the ‘Ringing of the Bell’. Students and staff alike were delighted to be able to continue this tradition for the Class of 2021 in a COVID-19 safe way. It was a welcome opportunity for students to reconnect with their peers and teachers in person after a term of remote online learning. Each student also collected a specially prepared graduation package.

Tuesday afternoon was a time for students to reflect on their Loreto Kirribilli journey and share memories of the highlights of their schooling during the virtual final year group assembly.

The love we all have for each other ... makes saying goodbye to school life so hard.

HARPER GRACIE, SCHOOL CAPTAIN

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On Wednesday afternoon, the school community joined together for a virtual Graduation Ceremony Prelude filled with felicity and hope. It was a joy for the community to be able to share in the presentation of each student’s Graduation Certificate. Proud parents and siblings congratulated their own graduate in turn, a moment shared by the whole community courtesy of a virtual visit to each and every student’s home via livestream.

In her address, Principal Mrs Anna Dickinson praised the Class of 2021 as “resilient, hope-filled young women,” and thanked the cohort for their generosity and gratitude.

congratulations

Year 12 Graduation Congratulations class of 2021

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Year 12 New Student Leaders Message from Greta Perrignon | School Captain 2021-22

School Captain Greta Perrignon (centre), Vice Captain Olivia Jacobs (second from right), First Councillors (from left) Audrey Soo, Lydia Colla & Gemma Chittenden

The values of Justice, Sincerity, Verity, Felicity and Freedom of Spirit are the fundamental principles of life at Loreto Kirribilli.

Every student is made acutely aware that as women inspired by Mary Ward, we have not only the ability, but an obligation to make positive change in this world.

Loreto Kirribilli is a school of unmatched spirit, which has been evident to me since my commencement at Loreto in Year 5. Events throughout the year celebrate the many talents and gifts of students, and exhibit the incomparable spirit of Loreto girls which unites students across every year group, and makes the daily life at this school so enjoyable.

Every girl is encouraged to celebrate in, and express their individual gifts, with a variety of extracurricular activities on offer. Participation in these activities is a personal highlight of life at Loreto Kirribilli, and has afforded me immeasurable joy in connecting with girls across every year group.

I feel incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead as School Captain in this Year of Freedom of Spirit, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities offered to me by Loreto Kirribilli. I have loved my time at this school, and I’m so excited to inspire a new generation of Loreto Kirribilli students.

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Heaton House Captain Zoe Davis House Vice Captain Sophia Doyle

Barry House Captain Sophie Hill House Vice Captain Ella Mitchell

Milson House Captain Raquel Gerber House Vice Captain Sara Marning

Ward House Captain Gabrielle Rose House Vice Captain Samantha Callanan

Senior School Learning YEAR 10 CHALLENGE

There is nothing quite like the Year 10 Challenge to bring out the wit, creativity and competitive streak in our Year 10 cohort. In a kaleidoscope of themed costumes, the 2021 Year 10 Challenge teams had to complete an array of obstacles and activities while navigating their way around the campus and the Kirribilli neighbourhood. A celebration of friendship and support within this close-knit year group, the day concluded with an energetic dance-off between teams.

FUTURIST INSPIRES OUR SCIENTISTS

During the Term 3 holidays, students with a passion for physics, STEM, robotics, and droning were excited to attend a Zoom presentation with Dr Catherine Ball PhD, scientific futurist, tech influencer, author, champion of diversity, drone expert, and creative thinker. Dr Ball is an Associate Professor within the School of Engineering at the Australian National University. Her highly engaging presentation included excellent advice for women in STEM. School Captain Harper Gracie said, “Catherine’s projects are ground-breaking and interesting. After hearing Catherine speak, I feel excited about our future, possible careers, and opportunities in STEM.” YOUNG HISTORIANS FINALISTS

The National History Challenge gives students a chance to be a historian, emphasising quality and analytical research on a topic of their choice that reflects a historical theme. This year that concept was ‘Significance: Why does History Matter?’ All Year 9 Elective History classes took part in the competition, producing a wonderful diversity of topics. Six students were presented Bronze certificates and progressed to the next stage. Two of those students, Lily Kevans and Jessica Kovacs, were presented with Young Historian Silver certificates. This means they are NSW finalists and runners up for the NSW winner. The judges applauded them on their level of research, historical enquiry and written presentation.

MONSIGNOR DOHERTY PRIZE

Year 11 Visual Arts students were awarded the prestigious Monsignor Doherty Prize at the 2021 Clancy Religious Art Prize and Exhibition. Their collaborative project Twenty Decades was a mixed media work exploring 200 years of Catholic education. As a finishing touch, the students collectively decided to donate the money from the prize to the Fred Hollows Foundation.

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Senior School Learning PRINCIPAL’S WRITING AWARD

The Principal’s Writing Award is an annual prize recognising outstanding writing from each year group in the Senior School. The task this year was to write persuasive texts around the theme of Felicity. The standard was outstanding making the choice of award winners very difficult!

YEAR 7

Letter to Mrs Dickinson Runner-up: Hermione Meridores Winner: Ciara Noble

YEAR 8

Persuasive speech: Feeling helpless about climate change? It’s time to embrace a felicitous attitude to help lift us out of our funk.

Runner-up: Alice Barry Winner: Romy Elliott

YEAR 9

Discuss how your study of international film has allowed you to appreciate the quality of Felicity across a range of global contexts.

Runner-up: Tara Miller Winner: Emily Booth

YEAR 10

Write a persuasive text to convince your audience that felicity is better than happiness.

Runner-up: Lucy Hui Winner: Sophie Nixey

YEAR 11

Considering the essential value of felicity, explore the proposition that the pressures we face make it difficult to achieve a rich inner life.

Runner-up: Audrey Van Den Bos Winner: Joanna Carey

YEAR 12

Felicity is achieved through a rich inner life and rewarding relationships with others.

Standard

Runner-up: Emma Jones Winner: Olivia Keen

Advanced

Runner-up: Emily Tooher Winner: Sarah Munstermann

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THE POWER OF ENGINEERING

The Power of Engineering was the theme for our Year 10 scientists who were out and about in Sydney in early June. Students visited both UNSW’s Solar Industrial Research Facility and the visionary design firm ARUP to gain an insight into different applications of STEM and some possible career opportunities.

Senior School Learning

Q STATION MODERN HISTORY EXCURSION

For over 150 years the Quarantine Station at North Head Manly, now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, was for many the beginning of a new life in Australia after making the arduous and lengthy journey from their homelands.

2021 MACROECONOMICS Q&A PANEL DISCUSSION

Modern History students spent the day exploring the various precincts of Q Station as part of our Investigation of Historic Sites and Sources component. Our wonderful and highly knowledgeable guides shared with us the many tales of love and loss, death and disease, which played out alongside themes of cultural and social change. Students particularly enjoyed visiting the hospital and wharf precincts on site.

Years 11 and 12 Economics students participated in the 2021 Macroeconomics Q&A Panel Discussion. The expert panel consisting of Su-Lin Ong (Chief Economist, RBC), Paul Bloxham (Chief Economist, HSBC) and Besa Deda (Chief Economist, Westpac) discussed the challenges facing the economy from an internal and external perspective. The girls were challenged to critically think, question, discern and wonder.

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Senior School Learning

MODERN HISTORY INVESTIGATIONS

Year 11 Modern History students had a taste of publishing as part of their Historical Investigation Projects. After choosing a history topic of personal interest, the students constructed an essay and magazine article, with Time magazine covers used to highlight their subject matter.

YEAR 8 COAL LOADER EXCURSION

The inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of Year 8 students, who visited a number of sites around Sydney Harbour as part of their fieldwork case study on landscapes and landforms. Highlights included the Coal Loader Sustainability Centre and a cultural cruise on Tribal Warrior.

YOUNG WRITER’S AWARD

Congratulations to our award winning young writers who excelled in North Sydney Council’s 2021 Nan Manefield Young Writer’s Award. From left, Ariane Saywell won the 14-15 years category with her entry about an artist’s obsession with their creation, Sophie Nixey was Highly Commended in the 14-15 years category, and Alannah Youssef won the 13 years category for her sobering environmental tale.

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Senior School Learning YEAR 8 STUDENTS ADDRESS THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT

Science, Mathematics & Technology teachers engaged Year 8 students in an interdisciplinary STEM unit of work addressing real world transport issues in Sydney. Student solutions were entered into the NRMA Future of Transport Competition open to students from Years 7-10 in NSW. Romy Elliot, Emily Maas and Isabelle Bannan were selected to present their innovative solution ‘RoadGoGrip’ to a panel of industry experts at the Youth Eco Summit which took place in November. They pitched their innovative and sustainable solution to a panel of distinguished judges.

The students were up against some tough competition from Year 10s around the State.

I am proud to say that the girls achieved Runners-Up for 'RoadGoGrip', a layered road surface installation that increases friction in poor weather conditions.

The students’ presentation was persuasive and informative. They answered questions articulately and I was so proud when they spoke about being young women with the power to create change in the world.

Rachel Noonan Coordinator of STEM, Technology & Applied Studies YEAR 10 SCIENCE GO WILD

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, wildlife scientist and renowned science communicator, was warmly welcomed to share her expertise with Year 10 students.

Dr Pirotta is a globally recognised marine animals expert, and uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation. After her talk, the students went to the Australian Museum to see a range of natural history exhibitions.

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Science Week K-12 Josh Clark | Rachel Noonan | Maria Emmi | Kylie Latham National Science Week for 2021 was a celebration of all things STEM, with the theme of 'Food: Different by Design'. On our interactive CH@LK page we had a feast of interesting activities, with the highlight being an interview with food scientist and ex-student Rebecca Screnci (’13) (see next page).

naTIonal We held a photo competition for staff and students with two categories: ‘The Natural World’ and ‘Food’. Staff and students alike posted their entries, with plenty of beautiful sunsets, flowers and delicious looking dishes. The Bake Off Challenge gave students the chance to explore the chemical reactions taking place in our kitchens every day. Our Science in Action page showcased some interesting examples of student work from their Student Research Projects.

Science Week in the Junior School was a lot of fun with critical thinking, problem solving, fantastic food creations and science experiments, culminating in the Mad Professors’ Friday assembly!

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SCIENCE WEEK lk

lk

lk

lk lk

STEM stars shine during Science Week!

Thank you to our Loreto Kirribilli ex-student STEM stars Dr Kate Samardzic ('10) and Pip O'Donnell ('03) who kindly sent our students some video updates on their fascinating careers in science. Also thanks to biotechnologist Rebecca Screnci (’13) for sharing her work on finding a sustainable alternative to farmed meat.

PIP O’DONNELL (Moorehead ’03)

DR KATE SAMARDZIC (’10)

REBECCA SCRENCI (’13)

As a student at Loreto Kirribilli, Pip O’Donnell says her favourite subject was Mathematics, with the Sciences a close second. Inspired by her scientist father, Pip studied Commerce/ Chemical Engineering at university, and has since worked in industry across Australia and overseas. Today, she works for Essential Energy, the electricity distribution network for New South Wales.

Dr Samardzic began her career in science volunteering for St John’s Ambulance while still a teenager at Loreto Kirribilli. After studying Medical Science at UTS, she completed a PhD focusing on environmental triggers of neurodegenerative disease. Today she works as a Postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University’s School of Medicine in the US.

At school, Rebecca Screnci was convinced she wanted to be a horse vet, until she did some work experience and realised it wasn’t for her. Instead she embarked on a flexible Science degree at UTS, and ended up majoring in Biotechnology.

She did stem cell research for her Honours project, and after two years in pharmaceuticals, she joined the founding science team at Vow, a cultivated meat start-up company.

“Science and Maths is not just about exams and numbers, and the theory that you study at school. Science and Maths is all around us. Working in these big industries like mining and energy has made me appreciate that.

Don’t hesitate to embrace the Science and Maths options that come to you at school. It will open a ton of doors for you.

During her video presentation to the young scientists of Loreto Kirribilli, Kate said, “My love for science came, not from a subject, but from a real passion for helping people. To me, a career in STEM has meant the opportunity to develop a new drug that will help millions of people worldwide.”

Pursue whatever it is you’re most passionate about.

In her fascinating presentation to students about the future of food, Rebecca explained how cultivated meat addresses food security, wildlife conservation, ecological balance and sustainability. Her advice to aspiring young scientists?

Keep an open mind.

Get work experience, and network!

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DASH DESIGN | ART | SCIENCE | HISTORY In August we held our online showcase DASH (Design, Art, Science and History). In nonCOVID times, these subjects would be hosting live expos and activities to celebrate the learning that takes place.

Instead the expo moved online, for all students to explore galleries and videos of students’ work, listen to guest speakers, and be involved with online activities, competitions and quizzes.

Our TAS Expo Meet the Makers showcased the varied design projects completed this year, from sewing, to woodwork, to publishing zines and food preparation.

Our Year 10 Visual Arts students displayed their portraits of family members, while Year 9 Photography and Digital Media work showed the students’ exploration of composition, lighting, props, and film noir techniques.

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Student Advocacy

GIRLS TAKEOVER PARLIAMENT

A group of Year 11 students participated in the virtual 2021 Girls Takeover Parliament program, coinciding with International Day of the Girl on October 11. Designed to encourage greater female participation in politics, Girls Takeover Parliament offers young women the space to connect and experience the political process first hand.

The girls were able to speak to a panel of prominent female politicians and have a taste of the political process with a ‘real-life’ negotiation about a land development.

Audrey Soo thoroughly enjoyed the day. “It was really interesting to learn about the whole process, and get an insider scoop on the problems women and people of colour face in Parliament. There’s a real need to get more diverse MPs in to reflect the whole of society it made me think how I could get involved and fulfil my own aspirations.”

Olivia Jacobs feels more confident about being a woman in the workforce after the event. “The whole guest speaker question and answer portion was very interesting. I loved the panel with Mehreen Faruqi, Tanya Plibersek and Liesl Tesch especially. Definitely an amazing experience, getting to have almost one on one mentoring sessions with some women in Parliament."

Jasiri, the organisation behind the event, is a social enterprise working to unlock the next generation of political leaders and policy changemakers, by giving young women their first plunge into politics.

advocacy | 36

Student Advocacy OLYMPIC CHANGE-MAKER FORUM

Congratulations to Year 12 students Olivia Loadsman and Emma Jones who were among 900 students across Australia recognised as young Australians making a difference in their communities. Olivia and Emma attended the National Virtual 2021 Olympic ChangeMaker Forum, joining change-makers from all corners of the country. Host Brooke Hanson OAM welcomed the students by saying how impressed she was with these young Australians who are having such a positive impact on their schools and local communities.

The students heard from Olympic medallists, past and present, talking about their memories of the Tokyo Olympic Games, and what the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship mean to them. “We would like to say a massive thank you for nominating us for the Olympic Change-Maker Award!” said Olivia and Emma.

“The forum was absolutely incredible!”

YEAR 9 STUDENT APPOINTED TO NSW YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

At the height of the Sydney COVID-19 lockdown, the State Government’s daily 11am press briefing was a highly-anticipated media event. It was therefore with great pride that the Loreto Kirribilli community tuned in to watch one of our young student activists, Alyssa Horan, appear in front of the cameras.

Introduced by the Minister for Health, Alyssa was representing the NSW Youth Advisory Council to announce the ‘Friendship Bubble’ – a welcome initiative to allow young people to socialise during the extended lockdown.

Driven by her desire to influence change, Alyssa applied for a role on the NSW Advisory Council earlier this year. “In today’s society, young people face a variety of challenges. As someone with the ability to stand up and speak for young people, I want to make a positive difference. Being a member of the Youth Advisory Council allows me to share my perspectives with the other 11 members and together influence change.” Well done Alyssa!

To be honest I tried not to focus on the fact that I was on live TV!

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Student Wellbeing

SYDNEY

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olympic challenge

WALK TO TOKYO

CHESS CLUB’S OPENING MOVE

LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES

During the Olympics, our entire school community joined in our Walk to Tokyo Olympic Challenge, a fun opportunity to stay active and healthy during lockdown and to earn valuable House points. We walked the 9.36 million steps to Tokyo in just over a week!

In May this year the Loreto Kirribilli Chess Club was born, thanks to the initiative of Year 10 girls Arie Saywell, Amelie Collins and Sophie Schembri.

The new chess sets were set up, strategy discussed, and students and teachers alike engaged in a new Friday lunchtime mental challenge.

Before the COVID-19 restrictions came into force, our Sports Captains were busy with Lunchtime Activities, held on the tennis court each lunch hour. A variety of games were on offer, with some healthy competition consistently on display, especially in handball!

PRINCIPAL’S LUNCHES

FRIENDSHIP FILM A WINNER

As part of their Wellbeing program, Year 8 were assigned a task to create a short film about friendship. The results were then viewed and voted on by their peers. Congratulations to Olivia, Maeve, Maxine, Catherine and Phoebe whose film, A Good Friend, encapsulated the thoughtful, steadfast and observant nature of a true friendship. Shown here, a clip from the film with Olivia, Maeve, Maxine, Catherine and Phoebe.

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The Principal Mrs Anna Dickinson met with Year 12 students in a series of informal lunchtime chats. These lunches were a welcome opportunity for Year 12 students to connect, share ideas and reflect on their Loreto Kirribilli journey.

Wellbeing Week ROMALINA ROCCA | DIRECTOR OF Senior school

During September’s Wellbeing Week we held a range of individual, class based and physical activities.

MINDFULNESS MONDAY

We heard from ex-student Madeline Foster (‘12), psychologist and marathon runner who currently works in public health in New York.

THANKFUL TUESDAY

We reminded ourselves to be grateful for all the gifts we have, and to reach out to someone who may be struggling.

Students were invited to write a message to show their gratitude to a loved one, participate in a guided meditation session and reach out to someone in need.

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

Physical wellbeing was the name of the game for Wellbeing Week’s Workout Wednesday! Students were encouraged to don comfortable leisure wear, make a healthy drink or snack to enjoy in Circle Class and join our weekly Wednesday Workout!

Dr Kristy Goodwin held an informative session for our Junior School parents to help support children’s digital wellbeing.

Discussions included advice on setting boundaries and strategies to offset digital fatigue.

THURSDAY R U OK? DAY

Year 12 students shared some words of wisdom for R U OK? Day as part of Wellbeing Week. Students wore a splash of yellow and raised funds to show their support for the cause.

FELICITY FRIDAY

Staff and students in the Senior School enjoyed an ‘unplugged’ break away from computers, phones and screens on ‘Felicity Friday’ to round off Wellbeing Week!

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Senior School Athletics Carnival 100M CHAMPIONSHIP

1st

Charlotte Greatrex

2nd Madeleine Caspers 3rd

Hannah Callaghan

FIELD CHAMPION

1st

Jessica Johnston

2nd Gemma Ronan 3rd

Jatali Brown

TRACK CHAMPION

1st

Sarah Holt

2nd Charlotte Greatrex 3rd

Indira Brown

JUNIOR POINT SCORE

1st

Gemma Ronan

2nd Sarah Holt 3rd

Mary Dunstan

INTERMEDIATE POINT SCORE

1st

Jessica Johnston

2nd Stella Hurley 3rd

Claudia Healey

SENIOR POINT SCORE

1st

Charlotte Greatrex

2nd Jatali Brown 3rd

Olivia Kearney

SPIRIT AWARD

1st

Ward

OVERALL POINTSCORE

1st

Heaton

2nd Milson

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3rd

Barry

4th

Ward

Extra-Curricular Highlights FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING

The current Australian Champions, our Year 11 Future Problem Solving Team competed online in the 2021 Global Issues Problem Solving International Competition.

Cordelia Morton, Lydia Colla, Imogen Wills and Hannah Merlin worked energetically to come up with their solution to the future scenario presented to them on the topic of neurotechnology. The girls were ranked 17th out of 66 teams across the world for the Senior Division, and 5th for the Presentation of the Action Plan.

The team then went on to win the National Finals in October for the second consecutive year. The girls have displayed collegiality, humour, determination and persistence throughout the year. We congratulate them on their amazing achievement.

Gisella D’Angelo & Raelene Giffney Future Problem Solving Coaches

2021 DA VINCI DECATHLON

The Da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), widely believed to be one of the world’s greatest thinkers and scholars, the Decathlon competition places a particular emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity.

In teams of eight, students compete across ten disciplines including Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy. ‘Chance’ was the theme of the 2021 competition, which was held online for the first time this year across three days in May. Our teams had been diligently preparing since Term 3, 2020 and were eager to put their critical thinking and collaboration skills to the test against teams from a wide range of schools across NSW. The 2021 results are outstanding and we congratulate all the students involved.

2021 Da Vinci Decathlon Results Year 6

3rd for Code Breaking

Year 7

3rd for Science

Year 9

2nd for Creative Producers

Year 10

2nd for Code Breaking

Year 11

2nd for Art and Poetry

Marisa Virtich Senior Teacher, Gifted & Talented

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Extra-Curricular Highlights DEBATING WITH THE A-TEAM

Our Senior A Debating team, consisting of Grace Poon, Lara Nash, Sophie Bateman, Olivia Stowe and Alex Stenhouse (inset) have led the charge this year in a season of competitive, challenging and often controversial argument.

This strong and formidable team narrowly missed out on going through to the quarter-finals of the Octos.

When asked why the team works so well together, Lara Nash thinks it is the bond that has grown between them in their years together. “As a team we are very close, over the years of travelling to and from debates, attending training and cheering one another on ... our team dynamic is built on our friendship, and that has really been the key to our success.”

The other team members agree.

Sophie Bateman says, “I joined the ISDA team in 2019, admittedly, a little late to the table. And, honestly, I was super intimidated to be joining such a high-calibre team, but I think we all figured out very quickly that we just ‘gelled’. There was something about Lara's bull-headed determinism in the prep room, Livi's chaotic quickwittedness, Grace's calming and mediating energy and Alex's...well Alexness, that really pulled the team through even the toughest debates.”

Another key to their success is their coach. “Our coach, Juliette Marchant, has also been an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend to us all, pushing

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us to always improve,” says Lara.

Sophie adds, “We couldn't have done it without the help of our ever-exasperated coach, who taught us more than the fundamentals of debating, but about love of all things nerdy!”

you Sophie, Olivia, Lara, Grace and Alex on behalf of the Loreto Kirribilli debating teams!

The students are very definite about the benefits of debating, and the lifelong skills it can impart. “Debating has given me so much confidence in public speaking, and in general,” says Lara. “Before starting to debate in Year 5 at my primary school, I dreaded public speaking and found it hard to speak up in any situation. I recommend debating to every girl at Loreto Kirribilli, as it is so rewarding.

I attribute my confidence and assertiveness to debating, which I will carry through to university, the workplace and wherever life takes me.”

Debating is about logic, and sustained logic at that. You've got to have the nerve to point out when someone is wrong and go further as to show why you're right. It's easy to get frustrated and let emotions override logic.

However, debating will never reward you for that.

It rewards your daring and your courage to challenge.

Easily, this would be what I've learnt from debating and its prevalence in my everyday life only cements its importance.

It is with a great sense of joy and achievement that the 'A-Team' conclude their debating life at Loreto Kirribilli. We hope to see them use their intelligence, skilful use of rhetoric and persuasion for a greater good in all that they endeavour in life. Thank

Marisa Virtich Debating Convenor

SOPHIE BATEMAN

Extra-Curricular Highlights ROWING

In another year of excellence for our rowing squad, Loreto Kirrbilli won the NSW Rowing Association Annual Point Score Competition. Alyssa Fikkers collected the trophy on behalf of the school. Alyssa was also awarded the Union of Rowers' Youth Development Scholarship.

THEATRESPORTS TEAMS PLAY FOR LAUGHS

Our Barry Senior Team represented Loreto Kirribilli brilliantly at the senior heats of the TheatreSports Schools Competition. Of note was their Number Words game, where they took the audience on a wild journey through the world of brawling bees. The students’ energy was high and their improvisation skilful, which led them to come in second on the night.

Well done to Mia Grace Otter and Coco Gracie, the Barry House Drama Captain and Councillor, as they have led our teams through the competition with aplomb. They are to be especially congratulated as we are the only school in the competition to have students as coaches, and we can be very proud of the authentic opportunities for leadership we offer here at Loreto Kirribilli.

Gillian Cooper Drama Teacher ROBOTICS TEAM QUALIFY FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Our VEX Robotics National team competed with students from around the globe in the Live Remote VEX Robotics World Championship, streamed from the USA. The students were calm under pressure as they collaboratively and skilfully manoeuvred their robot through the required skills sequence. Well done to the girls for making it into the World Championships.

department 43 43 |

Future of Learning Gifted & Talented World Conference In early August three of our staff were invited to present at the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) Conference. This virtual conference, with the theme Developing the Future of Gifted Education, is a biennial event, giving thought leaders in gifted education around the globe the opportunity to share their ideas.

Churchill Fellow Desilee Tait, with 30 years’ experience working with gifted and talented students, is Coordinator of our K-12 Gifted and Talented program. “We were so pleased to be able to share what we are doing here at Loreto Kirribilli.” Desilee opened the presentation with an overview of the Gifted and Talented policy at Kirribilli, explaining how the policy is updated annually.

Our school goal is to respond to the needs of students within the mild to profoundly gifted range through effective student identification, tracking of student data, and differentiated learning strategies to ensure learning growth.

“Professional development of our staff is crucial to the success and sustainability of the program. So we are very proud to say that 93% of our staff have completed the ‘Mini-COGE’ Certificate in Gifted Education from UNSW." Desilee is passionate about the Loreto Academic Mentor Program (LAMP). “LAMP has been at the school for 12 years.

We started with one mentor, we now have 30 - 40 mentors on our list. These mentors are authentic models for those highly gifted students … the extension work goes above and beyond the curriculum.”

Marisa Virtich, Senior School Gifted and Talented teacher, presented an overview of the many and varied extracurricular opportunities for students in the Senior School.

“We build on the Junior School’s Philosophy program by participating in the Ethics Olympiad. This helps students learn to think rigorously for themselves... the judges are university lecturers from all around the world.

“We also compete in the Da Vinci Decathlon ... we have the Year 9 elective subject Thinking and Advocacy, a particularly effective course for girls who need to be highly challenged. We have Future Problem Solving, where we

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have reached the international finals for the second year in a row, and a Creative Writing course for Years 7 and 8.”

“The CH@LK Gifted & Talented page is our media platform page for students and parents to have a look at everything that is available.”

Peta Jauncey, Junior School Gifted and Talented teacher, expounded on the Gifted and Talented program in the Junior School, specifically the study of Philosophy.

“Philosophy develops skills in thinking and reasoning, speaking and listening skills, and critical thinking skills.

We begin every class with the ‘Rules of Philosophy’: listen to other people; respect other people’s ideas; it’s okay to disagree, but you must do it with respect; and there may be more than one or no right answer. The girls come into each lesson prepared to think.”

Congratulations to our Gifted and Talented educators, showing the world how Loreto Kirribilli responds to the needs of our exceptional students.

Innovation Centre Building Update Daniel Mahon | Deputy Principal

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

Our Student Engagement Program is aimed at ensuring the students develop an understanding of the Innovation Centre during its construction, maximising the learning opportunity that the project provides.

In the first phase of the Program, representatives from three Year 6 classes participated in a tour of the construction site, and two separate tours were conducted for Year 3 students as part of their unit of work on change in their local community. The visits extended the girls’ study into the similarities and differences across our Kirribilli campus from the past, present and future.

The Program also provides Senior School students with further opportunities for site visits, as well as the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops.

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Retirements

SUSAN BARHAM

JILL KUITERS

MICHAEL OATES

DEB SIMPSON

Susan Barham has been a constant source of support and expertise, and an exemplar of collaboration in action since she joined the administration team as Staff Secretary in a job-sharing role in 2000.

After sixteen years at Loreto Kirribilli, Mathematics teacher and calculus wizard Jill Kuiters is turning off the calculator and preparing for a relaxing retirement. Jill has been the guru of the Mathematics Department since 2005, due to her extensive experience in teaching the calculusbased courses, especially Mathematics Extension 2.

Bringing with him teaching rigour, kindness and a wicked sense of humour, Michael Oates joined the Mathematics Department from St Pius X College in 1997.

In a career that spans more than four decades, Deborah Simpson has proven herself to be that most treasured of assets - the passionate English teacher.

With her background in education, corporate training and management consulting, and her wonderful knowledge of all things Microsoft, Susan has rescued many of us, so willingly, in our times of need.

A breath of fresh air each morning with every outfit colour coordinated, from magical earrings to “not so sensible” shoes, Susan will be greatly missed.

Susan is shortly expecting to become a grandmother.

We are so happy knowing she has more time to spend with her adoring, growing family.

As a colleague, Jill would always be there as the fountain of knowledge, not just about Maths, but about the students, or any other situation. She is someone who will always volunteer to take a class if someone is sick, or step up to support a colleague in need.

She has a very caring nature, and in her role as a Year Coordinator she created strong bonds with the girls, while still maintaining high expectations of them.

Thank you Jill, and we wish you the very best for your next chapter.

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Respected and admired by colleagues and students alike, Michael was able to create a culture of absolute silence in the classroom, with his captivated audience hanging on his every word.

Michael has the enviable ability to bring mathematical concepts to life. His attention to detail is second to none and all his assessments, programs, registers, calendars and smartboard lessons are always produced with great care, on time and to an incredibly high standard.

Michael will be greatly missed here at Loreto Kirribilli. We wish him every happiness in his retirement.

Deborah joined us in 2013 from Abbotsleigh, where she had been Head of English. Stepping into her new role at Loreto Kirribilli, she quickly became a valued and respected member of the English Department.

Deborah was instrumental in the publication of a suite of well-regarded text books on teaching English and the Australian curriculum.

Deb has also been an active member of the English Teachers’ Association, winning an Outstanding Professional Services Award for her significant and ongoing support of teachers and education.

We are indeed blessed to have had Deb’s amazing contribution, and wish her well in the next stage of her “brilliant career”.

Retirements

RAY STEEL

JULIE WALKER

LILY WANG

MICHELLE YOUNG

When Ray Steel joined Loreto Kirribilli in 2010, he brought with him many years of experience working as a chemist, laboratory technician and supervisor with Unilever’s quality assurance department.

Julie Walker joined the Loreto Kirribilli community in 1998 from Masada, and held the role of Mathematics Coordinator until the end of 2014.

Lily Wang joined Loreto Kirribilli in 2013, taking responsibility for teaching Mandarin from Kindergarten to Year 8. She has become a much loved and admired member of staff in both the Junior and Senior schools. Lily’s teaching methods have brought out the best in her students. Every lesson is a demonstration of active teaching, from beautiful songs and games, to wonderful projects and serious conversations.

Michelle joined Loreto Kirribilli in 1997, fulfilling a number of roles until she found her niche in the Enrolments Office.

During her many years in enrolments, Michelle was the friendly voice at the end of the phone for countless families, responding to every enquiry with patience and professionalism.

She perfected the art of delivering disappointing news with empathy and lent a sympathetic ear to many.

Highlights for the students were their performances at the Chinese Spectacular and excursions to the Chinese Gardens. Lily has truly inspired many girls to study Mandarin right through to the HSC. “Neha, Mrs Wang!” was the call from students in the corridors when Lily was passing by.

Students and colleagues alike will all miss Lily’s warmth, enthusiasm, and outstanding pedagogy.

Michelle has been a trusted colleague and friend with a sharp wit and caring nature - not to mention a love of all things canine!

With his skills, knowledge and expertise, Ray has been an integral member of the Science team, and appreciated by all members of staff for his incredible enthusiasm and dedication.

From memorable rocket launches to chemistry demonstrations - no problem was ever too hard for the passionate scientist.

Armed with goggles, lab coat and Bunsen burner, all the time keeping up a stream of informative, humorous commentary, students were always engaged and curious when Mr Steel was working his “magic”.

We wish Ray and his family well, and we very much hope that he will enjoy his much-deserved retirement.

Julie has made an immense contribution to the Mathematics Department, not least because of her incredible knowledge of the content and syllabuses.

One of the most significant impacts Julie had on the faculty was the introduction of a culture of collaboration, by ensuring all resources were shared. Through this she has built a professional sense of camaraderie which has developed into many lasting friendships.

Julie is someone who gets to know her fellow staff and students and shows genuine concern for all.

She is very sensitive to the needs of others, and is often there offering help at the right time. Julie will be greatly missed and we wish her every happiness in her retirement.

Married to Bill for over 40 years, they are the proud parents of three sons and the whole family were thrilled to welcome grandson Tommy into the Young fold in March 2020.

We wish Michelle much happiness and enjoyment in her retirement!

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From the Development Office Debbie henry | development manager The goal of the Development Office is to raise awareness of the importance of philanthropy at Loreto Kirribilli.

History dictates that girls’ schools have a tougher time when it comes to raising funds. Giving at boys’ schools far outweighs giving at girls’ schools, perhaps a cultural vestige of a bygone era. Against this backdrop however, Loreto Kirribilli donors have met this challenge and generously supported the build of our Innovation Centre.

We are indeed blessed with a wonderful, faith-filled community; with families who continue to embrace a Loreto education and uphold our Loreto values. We extend our sincere appreciation to our donors and supporters - current and past families, ex-students and our Loreto Kirribilli family of grandparents and supportive friends.

On behalf of Loreto Kirribilli, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to the build of the Innovation Centre, the latest exciting and important chapter in our development. We invite all Loreto families to join these generous donors in support of Loreto Kirribilli students today and into the future.

It is thanks to the power and strength of our Loreto Kirribilli spirit that we can continue the work of our Loreto sisters, For prospective donor tours of the site and Development Office enquiries: beginning with the work of Mother development@loreto.nsw.edu.au.

Gonzaga Barry. Mother Gonzaga was a trailblazer who brought Loreto schools to Australia in 1875. She was an educationalist in pursuit of an intelligent and ambitious program for the expansion and academic development of Loreto schools.

When our families enrol their daughters at Loreto Kirribilli they become valued members of this special community - families who continue to support one another in all aspects of life.

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LK Connect works to keep our ex-students in touch.

Mentors share their knowledege, wisdom and advice with young women starting out in their careers.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ON THE LORETO KIRRIBILLI WEBSITE

LK Connect mentoring and networking program LK Connect events continue to inform and engage our wider Loreto community of ex-students, current students, parents, past parents and friends. Our most recent evening, LK Connect: Industry Spirit in Action, highlighted the passion of our guest speakers within their industries, and displayed their ability to think outside perimeters to make a positive impact on society.

In the case of Mary Darwell ('80), this passion was ignited in her days at Loreto with a visit from Mum Shirl, who worked in Redfern with Indigenous communities.

Jessica Tancred ('05) shone in her role as facilitator, driving the conversation amongst our guests and providing interactive conversation and connection with their careers.

Each speaker independently highlighted their career paths, and yet each path was purpose-driven, with values instilled by their Loreto education. The mutual respect and value-driven partnership enjoyed by Rebecca Barry ('91) and Madeleine Hetherton-Miau ('90) was reinforced by their common bond of a Loreto kinship, and their ability to be honest with kindness. The formation of their company, Media Stockade, enabled them to explore the world with

curiosity across a broad range of subjects, to reflect back to their audience and inspire others.

Our Loreto spirit was evident with our youngest alumnae, Tara Rigney ('17) and Ella Walburn ('15), who continue to explore opportunities and take risks to achieve personal growth. We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of Tara as a young rowing Olympian, and someone to watch in the future. And when asked what the highlight of her Olympic dream in Tokyo was, she deflected from herself and responded, ‘Meeting Ash Barty’!

Ella is a product of our Mentor-Mentee connection who was encouraged to research and explore different paths to support her goal of working with Indigenous communities in Broome.

INDUSTRY spirit IN ACTION FACILITATOR JESSICA TANCRED ('05) is a communication expert with more than ten years’ experience as a radio and television reporter and producer, now working in corporate communications.

MARY DARWELL (‘80)

is a public sector leader and previous CEO of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Arts NSW.

REBECCA BARRY (‘91) & MADELEINE HETHERTON-MIAU (‘90)

Rebecca and Madeleine are the founders of Media Stockade. They are also producers and directors. Media Stockade’s aim is to facilitate impactful stories, share them with an audience and create measurable change.

TARA RIGNEY (‘17)

ELLA WALBURN (’15)

competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, placing 7th in the world in the Women's Double Scull. Tara is currently studying Commerce at the University of Sydney.

is a gallery and marketing assistant at the Short St Gallery, Broome, which features art sourced from remote First Nations' communities.

For further information about LK Connect please contact Debbie Henry or Antoinette Darin Phone +61 2 9957 4722 or email lkconnect@loreto.nsw.edu.au

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Parents & Friends Kim Turner & Leila Lai I JOINT P&F Presidents 2021

KIRRIBILLI NORMANHURST MORNING TEA

Our traditional Kirribilli Normanhurst Morning Tea was held at Normanhurst this year. We had the privilege of hearing from Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas and Board Member of Loreto Normanhurst. It was a joy sharing the morning with such an engaged group of people, and the Loreto founders would be so proud to see their vision alive and well in these amazing schools.

SECOND-HAND UNIFORM SALE

INAUGURAL SPORTS LUNCH

On 4 June 2021 at Luna Park, with great excitement, the P&F kicked off the 2021 Sports Lunch. The talented Hannah Hollis was our anchor woman, leading a team that included guest speaker Mike Colliss, and a hand-picked panel comprising of Cooper Cronk, Alyssa Healy, Kerry O’Keefe and Loreto Kirribilli’s very own Jane Fernandez (’91).

We would like to thank Patrick Delany and John Eales for organising our amazing speakers; all the businesses and families who provided prizes for the auctions and raffles; all the people who worked to get us on the field on the day; and all the people who attended and were the most amazing fans! The ‘gold’ we collected at the end of the day was a remarkable $56,000. These funds will be used to buy specific equipment for the Innovation Centre.

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In May this year the P&F held our inaugural Secondhand Uniform Sale. We raised an amazing $17,500! The funds were split 50/50 between Mary Ward International Australia and the Loreto Kirribilli Bursary Program. Thank you to all the families who purchased uniforms and to the volunteers who helped set up, sell and clean up - the event couldn’t have been held without you. The P&F have paid for all Loreto Kirribilli families to have access to sustainableschoolshop.com.au to buy and sell uniforms.

VOLUNTEERS' THANK YOU LUNCH

In early November the Development Office hosted the Loreto Kirribilli Volunteers' Lunch at the Grand Ballroom within Luna Park's Crystal Palace. Our wonderful volunteers were thanked for their assistance and we all enjoyed the opportunity to gather as a community once more.

Parents & Friends HEATHER KITSON & IAN MANN I JOINT P&F Presidents 2022

THE PARENTS & FRIENDS ARE DREAMING BIG IN 2022!

Reaching for the stars and should we merely touch the moon – that will be just fine!

After almost two tumultuous years, we hope and pray to return to some semblance of normality, and gather as our beautiful community does so well. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing committee, under the leadership of Kim Turner & Leila Lai, who managed to get in the BEST and most successful Sports Lunch in Loreto history and have navigated these extraordinary times.

In 2022, we look forward to introducing new and exciting initiatives: LK Sustainability; Tuesday Tennis Squad; Wednesday Walkers; LK Book Club; and launching the LK Dad’s BBQ Club with an organised pub dinner at the end of each term.

The Wednesday Walkers meet at 8.30am at the front gate and walk the beautiful Kirribilli foreshore and will

do the BIG walk once a term over the bridge for the well-deserved and most delicious pastries from La Renaissance Patisserie Café.

We of course have all our wonderful annual events and look forward to hosting the P&F Lunch at the Sergeants Mess on Friday 25 March 2022. Since we now have our very own Olympian Alumna, Tara Rigney, we will be hosting another Sports Lunch with special guests on Friday 3 June 2022. We introduce a new event, the Spring Ball on Friday 4 November 2022.

Please diarise all these events as they are open to everyone, and we sincerely look forward to seeing you and ‘kicking up our heels’ at the Welcome Cocktail Party on Friday 18 February 2022!

2022 LORETO KIRRIBILLI PARENTS & FRIENDS

Presidents Heather Kitson & Ian Mann Vice Presidents Melissa Couper & Tim Dinning Secretary Monica Hartan Assistant Secretary Anneke Senden White Treasurer Gerry Arthur Assistant Treasurer Daniel Rose parents@loreto.nsw.edu.au 2022 DIARY DATES

Friday 18 February Cocktail Party Friday 25 March P&F Lunch, Sergeants Mess Friday 3 June Sports Lunch, Luna Park Friday 4 November Spring Ball, Luna Park

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Sharing our Community A lifetime of service in nursing | Josephine Lannan ('49)

Miss Josephine (Jo) Lannan OAM (’49) knew she wanted to be a nurse from the minute she left school in 1949.

“My father tried to talk me out of it,” she says. “He thought it wouldn’t be suitable, and suggested physiotherapy instead.

But I won out, and did nursing.” And so began a remarkable career in nursing. Jo trained in midwifery with the Sisters of St Joseph at St Margaret’s Hospital, Darlinghurst; worked in general nursing at Royal North Shore Hospital; completed a Diploma of Nursing Administration; and was for many years responsible for training young nurses. She continued to care for patients until, after 40 years, arthritis forced her retirement. Even in retirement, the doctors wanted Jo back! So she returned to Royal North Shore as a volunteer at the Pain Clinic for a further ten years.

“I had a passion for easing pain,” she says. It was this passion, and Jo’s unstinting dedication to nursing, that led to her being awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for Service to Nursing in the 1992 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Jo remembers the day she received the medal.

We had the ceremony at Government House, with the Governor and his wife.

It was a lovely ceremony, and a very special day.

In retirement, Jo has not slowed down, working as a guide on the HMB Endeavour, and raising money for disadvantaged children as a member of the VIEW Club (Voice, Interests and Education of Women).

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While it is more than 70 years since she was at Loreto Kirribilli, Jo remembers her school days fondly. “We were taught to be ladies,” she says. “You had to leave the room to use your handkerchief. We had an Italian singing master, and an elocution teacher, we wore hats and gloves, and we had to walk in a ‘crocodile’ up to the railway station.

We didn’t have any of those things they do now - swimming, and drama, and catering, and travelling overseas! We studied geography, history, arithmetic, and art - my worst subject!

We played cricket and basketball at lunchtime.

“I remember one of the nuns who taught us, Mother Consiglio, was leaving to go down to the convent in Toorak. I had to hurry back from riding school to say goodbye. We kept in touch, and she would write to us whenever she needed anything, like a pen, or eau de cologne, or an alarm clock, and my mother would send it down.”

Jo keeps up to date with the life of the school through Spirit magazine, and has returned to the school for afternoon teas. She still keeps in touch with her old school friends, meeting twice a year for lunch.

“Oh, my life’s not very interesting,” says Jo modestly. On the contrary, Miss Josephine Lannan OAM (’49) is a shining example of a Loreto Kirribilli student making a positive difference in the world, and exemplifying Mother Gonzaga Barry’s ideal of the “wise, loving, well-educated woman.”

Sharing our Community OLYMPIC FEVER | Tara Rigney ('17)

The entire Loreto Kirribilli community was buzzing with excitement during the Tokyo Olympic Games this year as ex-student Tara Rigney (’17) rowed for Australia in the 2000m Women’s Double Scull. Tara and her teammate Amanda Bateman qualified for the semi-final, crossing the line in 5th place to reach the B-Final and compete for world rankings 7 to 12.

With great anticipation from our remote locations, the school community watched on to see Tara and Amanda inch their way into the lead in the last stretch of the race to win convincingly, earning the ranking of 7th in the world, an amazing achievement.

for the Under 23 National Rowing Team in 2019, racing in the Women’s Pair that finished 10th in the world.

Domestically, she won the Under 23 Women’s Pair at Nationals, while in 2020 she won the Under 23 Women’s Single Scull title at the NSW State Championships.

Tara Rigney attended Loreto Kirribilli from Kindergarten to Year 12, making her mark as Captain of the Junior School, and excelling at sport including netball, athletics, cross country as well as rowing. (Pictured above in 2016 rowing for Loreto Kirribilli with Sophie De Angelis ('17)).

Following her graduation from Loreto Kirribilli in 2017, Tara was selected

When the Australian Olympic Committee announced the Australian Olympic rowing team in June, Tara was selected to race in the Women’s Double Scull alongside Amanda Bateman. Now ranked 7th in the world, these young rowers clearly have a great future ahead of them.

The Loreto Kirribilli community sends Tara, her teammates and coaches our heartiest congratulations!

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Sharing our Community kicking goals in ACT | HOLLY CASPERS ('17)

Talented midfielder, winger and forward Holly Caspers ('17) is kicking goals this year, signing to the A-League team Canberra United for the upcoming soccer season.

Holly’s journey to the A-League began when she was five years old, playing soccer with the boys from her pre-school for the Marrickville Red Devils. In her senior years at Loreto Kirribilli she played for Northbridge FC and represented the school in soccer at NSW All Schools and National School Girls competitions.

be “our last” - last Music Festival, last Athletics Carnival etc.”

Holly’s advice for young Kirribilli footballers today?

“We usually do three morning gym sessions and four afternoon trainings

“During the winter season I was also in the Loreto cross country and Athletics

per week, plus game day on the

team,” she recalls. “The trainings

really supportive and have given me

definitely helped my soccer with fitness

flexibility with my hours to work around

and sprint trainings.”

the football commitments!”

Holly then went on to play for Sydney

Holly says she misses her Loreto

University in the National Premier

Kirribilli school days. "I miss seeing my

League while studying Commerce at

friends every day and being in classes

the same time. Having finished her

with them - at uni, I knew only a few

degree this year, she now works full

people in a lecture of over 200 people.

time at a marketing agency, working

My favourite memory would have to

remotely from Canberra. Her training

be Year 12 and the enthusiasm of my year group given everything would

sessions are keeping her very busy.

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weekend. I am fortunate my work is

There are a lot of great things that come along with playing football, but the biggest one for me would be the resilience that soccer has taught me, not just in the sport but in life. Things like starting on the bench or having an “off " you can turn around and use as incentive to train harder. Even injuries - the year long journey of my ACL rehab really tested my resilience. So my advice would be to keep going even when things don’t seem to be going your way. It’s super cliched, but I really do believe that everything happens for a reason.

Sharing our Community Captain of Boats Harvard University | Sophie de Angelis ('17)

Sophie de Angelis (’17) was recently appointed Captain of Boats at Harvard University – the latest milestone in a rowing journey that began with her rowing days at Loreto Kirribilli.

After the Australian National Rowing Championships in 2016, when the Loreto Kirribilli Schoolgirl Four (4+) comprising Sophie, Tara Rigney (Tokyo 2020 Olympian), Lucy Lennon, Olivia Jackson, and Charlotte Shackley (cox) won gold, Sophie was then on the radar of a few American colleges.

“Coaches from Harvard and Yale contacted me, and I began the recruitment process. I had to sit the SATs in Year 12, and I was lucky enough to be admitted with a recommendation from the Harvard-Radcliffe Rowing coaches.”

She has since been appointed Harvard Captain of Boats for the 2021-22 season.

On top of her rowing schedule, Sophie is studying a Bachelor of Arts, with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Italian. After graduation, Sophie hopes to study Medicine in Sydney. “I am not

sure what specialty I will pursue, but I am keeping an open mind. It has always been a dream of mine to volunteer for Médecins Sans Frontières, which I will hopefully be able to pursue later down the line.”

Sophie was influenced to take up rowing after watching two of her older brothers row for St. Ignatius’ College, Riverview. “I always enjoyed watching my brothers compete at the Gold Cup Regattas and Head of the River. I wanted to experience that same team camaraderie, so I started rowing at the end of Year 7.”

The friendships I made through rowing at Loreto are lifelong, and the opportunities for learning and growth are something I will forever be grateful for.

I was lucky to be supported by amazing coaches, who helped me develop and excel in many ways - both in and out of the boatshed. I am thankful for their ongoing support - in particular, the support of Locky Allen. I am very appreciative to have had the opportunity to return to Loreto Kirribilli as a rowing coach in 2020, and to be able to pass on some of the wisdom that was shared with me during my time at Loreto Kirribilli Rowing.

We wish Sophie all the best for her endeavours and look forward to seeing her back in Sydney.

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Ex-Students' Union Celia Sheldon | Ex-StudentS' Union President What a year it has been! Despite the challenges we have managed to connect with our community in many creative ways. Our uniquely memorable Mother Daughter Mass back in May brought together over 800 mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and special friends, in a beautiful celebration at St Mary’s Cathedral. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

In June we held another successful evening at the Capitol Theatre, with almost 200 members and friends enjoying the highly acclaimed musical, Come From Away. Thank you to Ruth Tighe from the Ex-Students’ Committee and Patsy Shannon from Loreto Normanhurst’s committee for their hard work in organising this combined annual event, and to all who contributed to its success. The Theatre Party for 2022 will be Mary Poppins on Sunday 29 May at 1.00pm.

Our major Bursary fundraiser and community gathering, the GOLF DAY & DINNER - originally planned for September 2020 - has been rescheduled to 8 September 2022. We are really looking forward to hosting this fabulous event in support of the Bursary Fund: an opportunity for all generations of ex-students to get involved, to make new friends and reconnect with old ones.

Registrations remain open and remember it’s not just for golfers but anyone keen to be involved. Please put the date in your diary and gather your friends.

More details early next year. https://events.humanitix.com/golf2021 Our major focus for 2022 is increasing awareness of the Ex-Students’ Union Bursary Fund and raising the profile of the Union among younger members.

We are very grateful for the generous response to our recent Bursary Fund Appeal. The Bursary programme has been a mainstay of the Union for almost 100 years, assisting countless students to maintain their education at Loreto in times of family hardship. Your support of this worthy cause and of the Union’s activities is always greatly appreciated and we look forward to more opportunities to enrich our community in 2022.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the members of the ExStudents’ Committee for their ongoing support and tireless commitment to the Union. There is much reward in giving of yourself, making time for the little things and I am continually amazed by what we manage to achieve. Anyone interested in joining us is always welcome to contact me.

Celia Sheldon (Roberts ’88) President Loreto Kirribilli Ex-Students’ Union exstudents@loreto.nsw.edu.au

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ex-students' bursary fund

The Loreto Kirribilli Ex-Students’ Union Bursary Fund is a lifesaver for those in our community who find themselves in financial crisis.

Any donation - large or small - will make a difference.

Thank you for your generosity. Please visit https://events.humanitix.com/ exstudents-bursary-fund

Ex-Students' News HAPPY BIRTHDAY CENTENARIANS

BARBARA ‘BOBBIE’ REILLY

MARGARET YOUNG (Jenkins ‘39)

(Baker-Becket ’39)

Happy 100th Birthday also to exstudent Margaret Young. Margaret graduated from Loreto Kirribilli in 1939 and her connection with Loreto spans generations.

In August 2021 Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Reilly (Baker-Becket ’39) celebrated her 100th birthday.

DR MONICA BULLEN (’38)

Happy 100th Birthday to Dr Monica Mary Teresa Bullen, MBBS, DCP (Syd)(’38), pictured here with her nephew Bernard. In retirement, Monica spent many years as the Volunteer Archivist at Loreto Kirribilli, and has written a vivid memoir of her life at school in the 1930s. Congratulations Monica!

Her daughter Linda writes: The photo of four generations of Loreto women in our family was taken on 29 January 2017. L-R: my sister, Barbara Anderson (Reilly ’62); my granddaughter, Maya Rengaswamy, now in Year 11 at Normanhurst; myself, Linda Newcomb (Reilly '67); my daughter, Kate Rengaswamy (Newcomb ’92) and my mother, Mrs Barbara (Bobbie) Reilly (Baker-Becket ’39). Mum also attended Loreto Kirribilli and Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak.

Margaret’s sisters, daughters, nieces and great nieces have all attended Loreto Kirribilli or Loreto Normanhurst, and she has two great-nieces who are current students at Loreto Kirribilli. Over the years she has been a great supporter of Loreto Kirribilli and the Ex-Students’ Union.

Congratulations Margaret.

2021 QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY honours

Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm (’52) Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to community as a religious sister and through music, education and the liturgical arts Francoise Gilroy (Droulers ’43) Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the community of North Sydney

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Ex-Students’ News ENGAGEMENTS

Sophie May (‘09) Isabella Russo (’15)

| Jessica O’Sullivan (Werro ’09) | Ashleigh-Blaise Webb (’12)

| Sophia Roche-West ('11)

| Emilia to Luisa Mockler (’98)

| Mabel Margo to Emilie Williams (’02)

BIRTHS: DAUGHTERS

Allegra Francesca to Elise Crothers (’98) BIRTHS: SONS

Elijah Akau to Darcie Chan (’08) | James Aden to Ellen Marlow (McFarlane ’03) Corvin Langley to Christina Bullivant (’97) | Cruz Abadam to Jodie Abadam (Chan ’06)

DEATHS: EX-STUDENTS

Doreen Cannon (Breslin ’46), sister of Tony Breslin (LK’ 47) Gigliola (Jill) Cantarella (Quaglia ’45), sister of Angelo Quaglia (LK’45), mother of Clelia Winton (Cantarella ’68), Luisa Schirato (Cantarella ’70), grandmother of Gabriella Schirato (’97), Chiara Cantarella (’99), Michaela Winton (’01) Mary Cleary (Donnelly ’67), mother of Annelise Tregoning (Cleary ’01) Beatrice Cooper (Felton ’54), sister of Gabrielle Breslin (Felton ’51) and Priscilla Felton (’58) Pip Gormly (’75), mother of Olivia Robertson (’99) and Felicity Watson (Robertson ’04), sister of Jenny Hill (Gormly ’72) and Penny Gormly (’73), aunt to Lucy Hastings (’02) and Julia Helmke (Gormly ’04) Joan Graeme (’46), sister of Margot Davies (Graeme ’51) Pip Grant (’74), sister of Robyn Martin-Weber (Grant ’72), Helen Grant (’76) and Charlie Grant (LK’ 66) Ann Hagan (Treweek ’67), mother of Claire Fensome (’02) Diana Lipscomb (Roche ’58), sister of Margaret Bentley (Roche ’54) and Patricia Roche (’56) Joan McCreanor (Ford ’56) daughter of Gwendolin Ford (Hartigan ’25) (dec), sister of Dr Judy Ford (’62), Peter Ford (LK ’46), Robert Ford (LK ’50), grandmother of Katherine McCreanor (’92) Carline Miller (Bird ’48), mother of Lisa Laird (Miller ’83), grandmother of Catherine Whitehead (Oxley ’06) Sr Noni Mitchell ibvm AM (’43), sister of Gaynor Mitchell (’43) Anne Louise Molony (’67) Jeanette “Nettie” Williams (Thomas ‘55), sister of Sally McNally (Thomas ‘51), aunt of Jane Andrew (McNally ’77), Susan Cali (McNally ‘78) and Margot Huckstepp (Thomas ’81) and great aunt of Meghan Andrew (’05), Claire McNally (Year 11) and Josephine McNally (Year 1) Grace Tesoriero (Donato ’39) Margaret Kitching (Morris ’47), mother of Genelle Paulin (Kitching ’78) (dec), Lisa Salgo (Kitching ’81) and Christopher Kitching (LK ’71) Patty Morton (Perrottet ‘55), grandmother of Molly Thompson (’18) Jane Raper (’54) Sr Benedicta Stratton OCD (Robyn Stratton ’48)

Joan Bull OAM (King ’35), sister of Sheila King (’38) (dec), mother of Jennifer Monie (Bull ’55), Angela McCormack (Bull ’57), grandmother of Rebecca Kingston (Hallman ’91) DEATHS: EX-STUDENTS’ RELATIVES

Rhonda Boyd, mother of Felicity Crothers (Boyd ’72), Gabrielle O’Kane (Boyd ’75), grandmother of Elise Crothers (’98), Madeleine Conroy (’02), Jacqueline Crothers (’04) Frank Breslin, husband of Gabrielle Breslin (Felton ’51), father of Maureen O’Brien (Breslin ’76) and Libby Filiatrault (Breslin ’78) Dr Hubert Desmond “Des” O’Brien, father of Louise O’Brien (’72), Christina Clancy (O’Brien ’73), Annette Turner (O’Brien ’77), grandfather of Alanna Clancy (’05), Georgia Clancy (’07), Madeleine Clancy (’14) and Elly Speer (’08) Victoria Finnane, niece and God-daughter of Barbara Dodds (O’Hare ’70) and cousin of Naomi Dodds (’03) John Gillespie, father of Carla Gillespie (’05) and father-inlaw of Charlotte Young (’05), brother of Karen Debenham (Gillespie ’67) and Susan O’Keefe (Gillespie ’74) Paul Hunter, husband of Anne Hunter (Borthwick ’51), father of Julie Levins (Hunter ’76), Angela Smith (Hunter ’85), Jacqueline Garment (Hunter ’90), Mathew Hunter (LK’ 72) David Miller, husband of Carline Miller (Bird ’48) (dec), father of Lisa Laird (Miller ’83) and grandfather of Catherine Whitehead (Oxley ’06) Patricia Noonan, mother of Margaret Loomes (Noonan ’71) Mary Rossi, mother of Virginia Fay (Rossi ’65) (dec), Catherine Rossi Harris (Rossi ’67), Claudia Rossi Hudson (Rossi ’70), Mary Anne Rossi (’73), Sally Rossi Ford (Rossi ’75), Danielle Helms (Rossi ’82), Emma Rossi (’84), Alexandra Tiffin (Rossi ’85), Phillip Rossi (LK ’69), grandmother and greatgrandmother of Kate Hudson (’96), Jessica Rossi Grosmann (’06), Daisy Ford (’03), Laura Ford (’05), Mary Anne Nolan (’14), Lucia Nolan (’15), Harriet Nolan (’18), Charlotte Tiffin (’20), Giorgia Rossi (’05) and great-grandmother of Isabel Morton (Year 6) and Zara White (Year 7) Edward Brown, husband of Elizabeth Brown (Kearney ’46) (dec) and father of Louise Brown (’72), Denise Brown (’75), Julie Paddock (Brown ’78) and Janine Anderson (Brown ’79) Vivian Truman, former Loreto Kirribilli teacher, mother of George Truman (LK’ 78)