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. 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.