Dear Student Leaders
At Loreto College Marryatville, we believe that every student has the potential to lead –through service, action, influence, and example. This Student Leadership Handbook outlines the many formal and informal opportunities available across our Junior and Senior Schools, inviting each student to discover and develop their unique leadership voice.
Grounded in the charism of Mary Ward and our Loreto values of justice, sincerity, freedom, verity, and felicity, leadership at Loreto is not about position, but about purpose. It is about stepping forward with courage, acting with compassion, and striving to make a positive difference within our College, community and beyond.
Whether leading through Student Representative Council, House activities, sport, performing arts, social justice, boarding, or everyday classroom life, our students are encouraged to lead with integrity and inclusion. This handbook is a guide, but more importantly, it is an invitation – to participate, to take initiative, and to grow.
As Principal, I am proud of the strong tradition of student leadership at Loreto and excited by the new possibilities our current and future leaders will bring.
Kylie McCullah Principal
Rationale
The Loreto Schools of Australia Mission Statement states that ‘Loreto schools offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service’.
This vision is underpinned by the Mary Ward values of Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Verity, and Felicity. At Loreto College Marryatville we are inspired by the legacy of Mary Ward that believed in the capacity of women as well as men to find God in the ordinary of life. Mary Ward’s words ‘Women in time to come will do much’ informs the school leadership opportunities at Loreto College. As a college that specialises in the education of girls and young people of the future, we believe that building selfefficacy through leadership opportunities is an essential part of our mission. Loreto College provides many opportunities for our young people to build their leadership, collaborative, and communication skills.
Mother Gonzaga Barry, founder of Loreto schools in Australia in 1875, saw the importance in encouraging her young students to be leaders in their communities. In the very early days of her first School at Loreto College Ballarat, Mother Gonzaga Barry wrote a description of the qualities she expected from her first student leaders, and how they should be elected. Mother Gonzaga called these new School Leaders, Councillors.
“A School Councillor should be distinguished by her Fidelity, Sincerity, and Charity. Being Chosen by the votes of her companions and with the approbation of the Nuns, she is placed in a position of Trust and owes loyalty to both. … She should be the kind sincere and thoughtful friend of all. One to whom a child in trouble could apply to with confidence, sure of Sympathy and Wise Counsel. … By giving good example they can hope to gain the confidence and respect of all and so be able to do much good in their school life.”
Mother Gonzaga Barry (IVBM)
The Loreto Values in Leadership
Freedom
• Encourage others to express themselves respectfully.
• Make positive choices and support others in doing the same.
• Show independence in your learning and responsibilities.
Justice
• Treat everyone fairly and with respect.
• Stand up for what is right and include others.
• Participate in initiatives that promote fairness and equality.
Sincerity
• Be honest in your words and actions.
• Build trust with your peers and teachers.
• Offer genuine support and encouragement to others.
Verity
• Seek truth in learning and relationships.
• Be open to new ideas and perspectives.
• Act with integrity and uphold the values of the school
Felicity
• Bring joy and positivity to the school community.
• Celebrate achievements—both your own and those of others.
• Approach challenges with optimism and resilience.
Student Leadership positions in the Senior School
The following Student Leadership positions are available across the College in the Senior School. Year 12 Leadership positions are selected from the Year 11 cohort and begin their leadership positions in Term 4 of the same year. Those positions highlighted below are part of the Student Executive. The Student Executive will work closely with the College Principal, Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement and Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity.
SENIOR SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Senior School Boarding
The following student leadership positions are available in our Boarding House. Year 12 Leadership positions are selected from the Year 11 cohort and begin their leadership positions in Term 4 of the same year. Those positions highlighted are part of the Student Executive.
SENIOR SCHOOL BOARDING LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Head Border
Head Border Poyntz House Captain Wigmore House Captain
Senior School Vice Captains and Leaders
The following Student Leadership positions are available across the College. Year 11 Leadership positions are selected from the Year 10 cohort and begin their leadership positions in Term 1 of the following year.
SENIOR SCHOOL VICE CAPTAINS AND LEADERS
Sport Vice Captain Barry
Performing Arts Leader Barry x 2
Vice Captain Ward
Performing Arts Leader Ward x 2
Selection Process
A selection process will determine students who assume leadership roles.
It is essential that students read and understand what is required of them, this information is on the role description. In the application, interview and speech students may refer to how they might have a vision for the leadership position they apply for.
All role descriptions can be found on the page 7 onwards.
Vice Captain McGrath Sport Vice Captain Mulhall
Performing Arts Leader McGrath x 2
Performing Arts Leader Mulhall x 2
• All Students must self-nominate for all positions
• Nominated Students submit an application form
• Nominated Students are required to deliver a speech to their peers
• Students are invited to vote for the nominated student of their choice
• Interviews are held with relevant staff members
• Student voice is considered
• Successful candidates are announced.
Role Descriptions
All Senior School Leaders
• Know and adhere to the College Personal Social Responsibility Behaviour Policy
• Support the ethos of Loreto College as a Loreto Student Leader
• Sets a good example to all students across the Senior, Junior School and ELC
• Educating strong, passionate and confident girls and young women.
• Are good ambassadors for Loreto College
• Represents the student body at functions on evenings and weekends when required e.g., Tours, Autumn Fair, Concerts etc.
• Have been involved in College activities and demonstrated College spirit
• Attend a Student Leadership Day in Term 4
• Has the capacity to inspire and unite the cohort
• Is a supportive and positive person who is able to show initiative
Head Girl & Deputy Head Girl
• Is an ambassador at College events.
• Sets an example to the wider school community
• Has the ability to inspire and unite a community
• Leads the Student Executive in decision making
• Promotes the Loreto Justice Priorities across the College
• Plans assemblies with the Student Executive.
• Represents and speak for all students at the school
• Represents the student body
Executive Leader
• Is an active member of the Student Executive
• Is an ambassador for college events
• Works as part of the Student Executive team planning school assemblies
• Reports to the Student Executive from the Student Representative Council (SRC)
• Supports student leadership in the Junior School
• Supports all Student Executive events
Social Justice Captain
• Is an active member of the Student Executive
• Is an ambassador for college Social Justice events.
• Works as part of the Student Executive team planning school assemblies
• Promotes the Loreto Justice Priorities
• Has been an active member of Social Justice Activities
• Attends the College Peace and Justice and Environment Groups
Diversity Leader
• Is an active member of the Student Executive
• Is an ambassador for College Cultural and Diversity events.
• Works as part of Student Executive team planning school assemblies
• Organises and advocates for events that promote Culture and Diversity e.g., , Harmony Day
Role Descriptions
House Captain
• Is an active member of the Student Executive
• Is an ambassador for College events
• Understands and promotes House spirit
• Educating strong, passionate and confident girls and young women.
• Works as part of team planning school assemblies
• Promotes their house in one assembly per term
• Supports all student executive events
• Supports and encourages House Spirit at all events
• Works with other House Captains to organise Inter House Activities
Indigenous Leader
• Is an ambassador for College Indigenous Cultural events.
• Liaises with the Indigenous Student Coordinator to organise and advocate events that promote key Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders events e.g. Reconciliation Week
Sport Captain and Vice-Captain
• Attendance at events as indicated by Director of Sport and Sports Performance
• Liaises with Director of Sport and Sports Performance and Leader of Health & PE to promote and support sport in the College, presenting sports news and achievements at assembly and promoting a sport of choice
Sport Captain and Vice-Captain continued
• Required to promote and help organise activities for PE week, in Term 4
• Encouraged to be involved in the College sporting program, as a role model, coach, spectator and/or umpire
• Lead their house at sport events, such as the Athletics Carnival and Swimming Carnival
• Assist with the Loreto Athletics and Swimming Carnival preparation
• Support all students in their house
Performing Arts Festival Captain and Leaders
• Performing Arts Festival Captain and Leaders liaises with the Director of Creative Arts to promote and support bringing the Performing Arts Festival to fruition
• Are required to work collaboratively as a team to develop and create their respective House presentation at the Performing Arts Festival.
• Ideally has experience and skills of a performing arts nature. i.e musical skills or dance skills
• Has a strong capacity to organise and lead a team towards a common goal
• Lead their House at the Performing Arts Festival including all rehearsals and activities during the lead up to this event.
• Support all students in their House
By embracing the Loreto values and leading with kindness, courage, and integrity, you will
Year 9 Leaders
Year 8 students are encouraged to apply for a Year 9 Leader Position. A selection process will determine students who will assume leadership roles. Year 9 Leaders act as ambassadors for the College.
All Year 9 Leaders are expected to:
• Lead and support staff with College Tours
• Assist in the planning and implementation of fundraisers and initiatives
• Support new students by acting as a ‘buddy’
• Present at assembly
• Work in partnership with the Year 12 Executive to support student wellbeing and social justice initiatives, i.e Mary Ward International Australia and key events on the school calendar such as Harmony Day etc
• Attends events external to the College when required
Selection Process:
• Students nominate for positions
• Applications are reviewed and candidates are selected
• Selected candidates are required to deliver a speech to their peers
• Students are invited to vote for the nominated student of their choice
• The top 8 candidates are then selected from the votes
• Interviews are held with relevant staff members
• Student voice is considered
• Successful candidates are announced by The Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement or delegate
Service Leadership
By electing to be part of a committee or leading a committee, Loreto students demonstrate leadership qualities, even if no specific title is given with the role. Opportunities are available through the following.
• Formal Committee
• Year 12 Commemorative Jumper Committee
• Service Learning
Other Student Leadership Positions in the Senior School
Student Representative Council
All students are encouraged to apply for a position as an SRC member. A selection process will determine students who will assume leadership roles. SRC leaders act as a liaison for their class. There is one SRC leader in each mentor/home group.
• Know and adhere to the College Personal Social Responsibility behaviour policy
• Liaise with teachers and fellow students to lead student voice
• Promote SRC activities in the school
• Liaise with Student Executive Leader
• Help organise SRC events
• Help organise and coordinate initiatives to support the College
• Model appropriate behaviour with regard to all College activities anactively encourage students to be friendly and helpful to fellow students
Selection Process:
• Students nominate for positions and submit an application to their Mentor Teacher in Week 2 Term 1
• Mentor Teacher submits names to Assistant Principal
• Home room students are invited to vote for the nominated students in Week 2
• Student voice is considered.
• Successful candidates are announced by The Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement or delegate
Justice Representatives
All students are encouraged to apply for a position as a Justice Representative. A selection process will determine students who will assume leadership roles. Justice Representatives act as a liaison for their class for Social Justice initiatives. There is one Justice representative in each mentor/home group.
• Know and adhere to the College Personal Social Responsibility behaviour policy
• Liaise with teachers and fellow students to lead student voice
• Promote Justice activities in the College
• Liaise with Social Justice Captains
• Help organise Social Justice events
• Model appropriate behaviour with regard to all College activities and actively encourage students to be friendly and helpful to fellow students
Selection Process:
• Students nominate for positions and submit an application to their Mentor Teacher in Week 2 Term 1
• Mentor Teacher submits names to Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity
• Home room students are invited to vote for the nominated student in Week 2
• Student voice is considered.
• Successful candidates are announced by The Assistant Principal: Wellbeing and Engagement or delegate
Student Leadership Positions in the Junior School
Student Leadership in the Junior School fosters responsibility, teamwork, and builds confidence. It empowers young learners to make decisions, set goals, and build leadership skills. This early exposure to leadership helps students to become confident, responsible young girls, and positively impacts their personal growth and the Loreto community.
Student Leadership in Junior School Classes
In the Junior School each class from Year 1 to Year 6 elect Prayer Leaders and Student Representative Council (SRC) Leaders for Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• Prayer Leaders represent their class at Junior School Liturgies and at Whole School Masses.
• SRC Leaders work with the Junior School Student Representative Council to plan events and promote positive change. Students are encouraged through participation, leadership, and community building within the Junior School.
Student Leadership in Year 6
In Term 4, Year 5 Students begin preparation for Year 6 Leadership roles by taking part in an Loreto Schools of Australia Committee (LSCA) Leadership program. Students have the opportunity to learn more about the qualities of Mary Ward and her leadership, and to connect with Loreto Junior Schools across Australia.
The following Student Leadership positions are available across the Junior School. Year 6 Leadership positions are selected from the Year 5 cohort and begin their leadership positions in Term 1.
The Social Justice Leaders and Liturgy Leaders will be supported by the Religious Education Coordinator. The Year 6 Captains will be supported by the Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School.
Year 6 Student Leadership Process
All Year 5 students are encouraged to apply for a position as a Year 6 Leader. A selection process will determine students who will assume leadership roles. Year 5 Teachers lead their students through a process that includes, understanding what it means to be a leader (passion, commitment, and qualities), taking inspiration of leaders in our world and school community, speech writing and public speaking.
Selection Process:
• Students nominate themselves for a minimum of 1 and maximum of 2 positions.
• Students then begin the speech writing process which is guided in length and structure but detailed independently by the individual students
• Year 5 students are invited to vote for the nominated students using the preferential voting system learnt during their Term 4 Inquiry unit
• Student voice is considered
• Successful candidates are announced by The Assistant Principal: Head of Junior School or delegate
By embracing the Loreto values and leading with kindness, courage, and integrity, you will make a meaningful impact on your school community.
Enjoy your leadership journey!
Kylie McCullah Principal
