Volume 25, June, 2014
Women of Influence Young women doing amazing things
Flicking the Switch
Awareness, education and energy
The Influence of Music Help us connect to our girls hearts, soul and intellect
Back to D-Street
Our old campus is gone but not forgotten
Year of Sincerity
A prayer formed from collaboration
2
contents
Women of influence_______________ 6 There are many things to celebrate on International Women’s Day, but also things to remember. Our 2014 award winners embody what this day is about.
Year of Sincerity_________________ 10 From the moment students and staff returned to school there has been a vibrancy that has enhanced all aspects of school life.
Flicking the switch________________15 Loreto College has always had a flair for innovation and enlightenment but the College has recently taken a shine to alternative energy.
15
Building on tradition______________16 On the walls of the Gonzaga Barry Centre are stories of fine women who inspire our community. Each of us is part of this story and in we make our own contribution to that evolving story every day.
The ‘Next Gen’ of creativity_______ 20
30
Regardless of one’s definition of creativity, it is clear that here at Loreto College Ballarat we are not short of creative students.
Hashtag Activism________________ 23 Our students have joined a worldwide campaign to raise awareness of the Nigerian schoolgirl kidnapping. 260 gathered, each representing a missing girl.
High achievers___________________ 26 It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the individual academic achievements of 35 outstanding students from 2013.
20
24
The influence of music___________ 30 Loreto College has always had a flair for innovation and enlightenment but the College has recently taken a shine to alternative energy.
Cover Photo International Women’s Day award winners Anastasia Tuncks and Jessica Newman Editor Mr Matt Hustwaite, with contributions from Ms Judith Potter, Mrs Tricia Cosgriff and Ms Kerry Foss
editor’s note
In Verity we share with you the amazing stories of our College and I am always amazed by how many opportunities and achievements we see from both our current and past pupils. Our readership has grown to nearly 8000, which means we find ourselves with many potential stories for the magazine. While we try to share as many stories as we can in Verity, you can understand that it is hard to fit everything in! I encourage you to connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/loretocollegeballarat) where we currently have over 2000 people keeping up-to-date with College news on a regular basis. It provides a great companion to our new look, environmentally friendly Verity!
Photography Mr Matt Hustwaite, Mr Ian Stowe, Liz Crothers, Aldona Kmiec,Loreto Province Archives, Margaret McKee, Jeremy Bannister - The Courier Design & Print KingPrint Contributions to Verity can be sent to: Loreto College Development Office 1600 Sturt Street Ballarat VIC 3350 03 5329 6100 development@loreto.vic.edu.au
3
4
Life of the College By Ms Judith Potter - Principal
“The mutual trust and appreciation that builds on sincerity, the ability to celebrate without envy the achievements of others and the capacity for loyalty are qualities of genuine friendship. Hence schools in the tradition of Mary Ward have always been characterised by friendships that enrich the lives of staff and students well beyond their years at school.” (Loreto Schools of Australia Mission Statement) Our first term of the 2014 school year has moved all too quickly. From the moment students and staff returned to school there has been a vibrancy that has enhanced all aspects of school life. The Loreto value of Sincerity, our focus for 2014, calls us to be authentic and, how better to define this than through Mary Ward’s advice to “Be such as we appear and appear such as we are”. I commend our Senate for choosing these words of wisdom and challenge to place on the Sincerity banner and badge they have created for 2014. Encouraging others and celebrating the achievements of fellow community members with an open heart is living out sincerity with joy. Loreto students and staff have shown themselves to be wonderful “cheerers”. The energy, sense of fun and commitment to our community life of Loreto students and staff, balanced with a great sense of purpose, has ensured that the three whole school events in Term 1, the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals and the Walkathon, were highly successful.
The world which our students enter as young adults is a world in which creativity is an essential element. I am excited at the possibilities offered by the Mary’s Mount Centre in providing increased opportunities for all students to develop their creativity in a myriad of ways. As I watch the progress of the building I can already envisage our students deepening knowledge, skills and confidence in self through learning and performing in what is promising to be an outstanding facility. I am so very appreciative of the many past pupils, Loreto Ballarat families and friends of Loreto Ballarat who have contributed to the creation of this facility through donations to the Capital Appeal. The reality for us is that tuition fees and the capital levy (which also contributes to ongoing maintenance) alone cannot fund the provision of modern facilities such as this performance centre. I am grateful for the support and encouragement we have received.
Principal Ms Judith Potter with (L-R) Bill Mundy (Telstra Countrywide), Ms Kerry Foss (Fundraising & Community Relations Manager), Carmel Flynn (Co-Chair of The Mary’s Mount Centre Appeal) and Geoff Sharp (The Ballarat Foundation)
5
6
Women of influence By Mr Matt Hustwaite
International Women’s Day is an important day for women worldwide. On this day Loreto College recognised two of our young women of influence with prestigious awards
There are many things to celebrate on International Women’s Day: the equal opportunities and rights those women before us have fought for, advances in health and reproductive care, how far women have come in business and leadership, the changes to workplace cultures and structures that are opening more opportunities for women and the ‘firsts’ women continue to initiate.
7
But more important are the things we must remember, particularly, the accounts that tell the global story of just how far society has to go. There are stories of the abused, dehumanized, vulnerable, neglected, marginalized and exploited. These are people who, on account of where they’re born or the family they are born into, experience adversity on a scale that other people – again on account of where they’re born or who they’re born to – could never, ever, fully imagine. On a local level, within our community, there are those experiencing struggles sometimes unbeknownst to anyone else. Many young women can be forgiven for believing that many of the tough battles are over, already achieved in our society, but there are still many battles to be won. As a College we
8
recognised the efforts of two of our Loreto girls on International Women’s Day for their commitment to social justice on local, national and international levels. The Loreto Woman of the Day and Loreto Community Achiever awards are presented to students who are ambassadors embodying the spirit and values of Loreto. A commitment to social justice through broader community involvement is sought for the Loreto Community Achiever award and the Loreto Woman of the Day needs to show involvement in the full life of the College. In January this year, Loreto Community Achiever award winner Anastasia Tuncks travelled to remote Vietnam, where she visited Sister Trish
Franklin and contributed to the development projects for poor communities in the area. The Loreto Vietnam Australia Partnership runs a number of projects including shelters for street children, a school for the blind and a school for intellectually and physically disabled children in Ho Chi Minh City. “I know it sounds trivial, but I didn’t need recognition” says a humble Anastasia. “It’s still pretty amazing though. My mum and grandma were really proud. We weren’t expecting anything like the award at all.” Jessica Newman was presented with the Loreto Woman of the Day award which is presented to a student who embodies the true spirit and values of Loreto every
“I know it sounds trivial, but I didn’t need recognition”
day at school. Her compassionate, empathetic nature makes her one of the most respected girls in Year 12. She is often a source of advice and someone who will listen a true friend and Loreto girl indeed. Jessica is described as being an incredibly positive person who really embraces the responsibility of being a part of the Loreto community. “You would struggle to find anyone who’d say a bad thing about Jessica” says Year 12 Coordinator Mrs Mandy Carroll.
“She somewhat flies under the radar but contributes so much across the entire College. That made her winning the award all the more special.” Women, no matter what their circumstances, can and do dream and these dreams are valid, no matter where you live. The dream could be as simple as having other people acknowledging your plight in the hope that it may be different for those behind you. Anastasia and Jessica are just two examples of the many Loreto girls who, on a small and large scale,
are helping to make these dreams come true for themselves and others. International Women’s Day celebrates the positives rather than the negatives, the achievements of today rather than focusing on the past. It’s up to us all to make a difference, think globally and act locally. To make every day International Women’s Day and do our bit to ensure that the future is bright, equitable, safe and rewarding.
9
10
Year of Sincerity By Katie Baxter and Megan Campbell – College Captains
An annual gathering of Loreto College Captains is a collaboration that sees the creation of the year’s prayer
Late last year, we had the privilege to attend a Loreto conference held here in Ballarat. We met and were among our fellow Loreto leaders from around Australia. The aim of our time together was to compose a prayer that would encompass our Loreto value of the year which is Sincerity. Through this prayer, we hoped to communicate to our staff, students and community what it meant to be truly sincere and to give ideas as to what we can do to live out this value. As leaders, we found the conference to be an enriching experience in which we discovered many new ideas and were helped by the girls to gain a different perspective on Sincerity as it was still a new concept to us at the time. As a group, we were all incredibly proud of what we managed to achieve in the short three days. We were eager to take our prayer back to our schools and share our newly found understanding of the significance of Sincerity within our school community.
11
Loving God, Sincerity is to speak with true feelings, act with true kindness and think with true understanding. We praise you for our individual gifts that allow us to live in the service of Sincerity. We ask you Lord for the support, guidance and courage to be sincere women of Mary Ward. Give us the resilience to overcome challenges by having faith in our instincts. Let us embrace our imperfections, to let our light shine in the sight of all to see. May we live by a deep truth that leads us to forgive absolutely, love unconditionally and express ourselves sincerely. May we open ourselves to enrich our spirit and let all that we do be a reflection of our heart’s true values. We give thanks to you God for sending us your son Jesus to model true Sincerity through the unity of his words and actions. We are grateful for your invitation to belong and the opportunity to walk humbly alongside our Loreto Sisters in this year of Sincerity. In one spirit we pray, Amen
12
2014 Year of Sincerity Freedom prayer written by Loreto Year 12 Captains Australia 2014
13
College Council
By Mr Shane Carey – Chair of College Council
Chair of College Council Shane Carey enjoyed reviewing the results of the Class of 2013. A hallmark of Loreto education is its holistic approach and we have much to thank Mother Gonzaga for the vision which she has left for us in Ballarat. We can see in the curriculum, co-curriculum and in the connection to community, the diverse opportunities available for the girls to shine in their own individual ways.
14
In this Year of Sincerity there are many opportunities for us to celebrate and acknowledge the different gifts each girl brings to the life of our community. We see it in the Assemblies conducted by able leaders, showcasing the sporting talents of a wide variety of teams, the musical prowess of the various choirs, ensembles and bands which perform, the congratulations offered to debaters, Tournament of Minds and DaVinci Decathalon participants and the calls to action of the JPIC Committee as well as the individual students with a passion for a particular cause. Loreto College Ballarat celebrates and commends its
students for their commitment and contribution to this life giving education. The core of our school life is learning. Students learn in different ways, through different activities and often with a very different focus. I congratulate the College on its capacity to provide for a diversity of learners, as it seeks to find and provide the facilities, resources and programs which will allow students to reach their potential. The annual Academic Assembly, which acknowledges the achievements of Senior Secondary students, in both Year 11 and in Year 12, comes to mind here. It was with great pleasure that I was able to congratulate students who achieved Academic Honours in their VCE studies and at the same time, congratulate students who had achieved excellence in their Vocational Training, School Based Apprenticeships. Added to these were those students whose Art, Studio Art, Design and Technology and Food Technology artworks, folios and
designs had bought recognition of excellence in their field of endeavour. This is the holistic education both Mary Ward and Mother Gonzaga dreamt of for the Loreto girl. It is with great enthusiasm and hope that we see the unfolding shape of the Mary’s Mount Centre. A Loreto education, as I have mentioned above draws on all aspects of learning in its pursuit of excellence. The new facility is one which will provide current and future students with both the facilities and resources to match their individual talents and gifts and the expertise of staff. It is with a great sense of pride that I look at the Mary’s Mount Centre and think of the legacy we, the current school community, will be leaving for future generations to use and enjoy just as past generations have provided for our current community over the past 139 years. I look forward to sharing with you more of the progress to completion of the Mary’s Mount Centre in future editions of Verity. Watch this space!
Flicking the switch By Mr Matt Hustwaite
The largest private solar installation in Regional Victoria will also provide educational outcomes Loreto College has always had a flair for innovation and enlightenment but the College has recently taken a shine to alternative energy. During the summer holidays, Loreto College ‘flicked the switch’ on a new green power source for the campus. Currently the largest private system in Regional Victoria, 108 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the northern Science wing, with these panels generating 27kw of power. This installation sees the College taking practical action to reduce emissions through installing solar power systems, while also providing educational
benefits for students in learning about renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Loreto College Ballarat students will be able to view and analyse data to track the effectiveness of the system and apply this knowledge into their classroom studies. “The students are excited, and in fact have been waiting, to see renewable energy projects like this on campus,” says Deputy Principal Mr Pat O’Shea. “It will become a resource for our students in various Science classes, and it will also be made available for student projects in the future.”
Members of the Environmental Action Committee are also pleased with the College’s commitment to renewable energy. “When we formed last year we were inspired by the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, United States of America who turned on the power to 5000 solar panels” says EAC member Sarah Griffin. “Of course we are just one school, not a whole district but we are thrilled to see our school move forward with this fantastic initiative.”
15
Building on tradition By Mrs Tricia Cosgriff – Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning
All at Loreto College are committed to personal excellence and this takes many forms, but it is the student appreciation of this that stands out.
16
“At Loreto we have committedto personal excellence�
17
Each time I stand in the Gonzaga Barry Centre, I am reminded of our heritage and the tradition upon which we build. On the walls are Mary Ward and her Circle of Friends along with Mother Gonzaga Barry and the stories of the other fine Loreto women after whom our Houses are named. Each of us is part of this story and we make our own contribution to that evolving story every day. Our annual Academic Awards are an acknowledgement of the hard work, commitment and persistence in studies which our VCE students undertook during the previous year. Each of these girls is a role model for our students. Their achievements are an example of the approach each girl can take to her studies, whether she is in Year 7 or Year 12. At Loreto we have committed to personal excellence. It is pleasing to see that so many of our students have accepted this challenge and that this personal excellence takes so many different forms. The pathways chosen by our students are diverse and reflect the range of interests, talents and gifts that each girl brings to her education. Loreto education is one which aims to nurture each of these
18
interests, talents and gifts, and many others. This year, 2014, is the Loreto Year of Sincerity. The Mission Statement for the Loreto Schools of Australia comments on the qualities of relationships and friendships in Loreto Schools, especially trust and appreciation in relation to Sincerity. Appreciation stood out for me. If we appreciate something, we value it highly. At the Academic Awards we demonstrate the value which we as a College place on education, learning and effort. We acknowledge the students success, call attention to them and to the efforts which each girl has brought to her achievements. How might I tell that these girls appreciate their education, learning and the effort needed to achieve? They have made learning a priority. With all the other things which come with Year 12 for them commitment to their studies was extremely important. Of course, they were involved in many other activities – community activities here at school and in the wider community, leadership, sport, music and the whole host of cocurricular opportunities which Loreto offered them. But the priority was learning.
“What we value we work at. Each girl has worked hard for her successes� Their appreciation of learning and of their education can be seen too in the way that recognise, with gratitude, the role played by their parents, family, friends and teachers in their learning experiences. They will recognise that their achievements have come from the work of a number of people. What we value we work at. Each girl has worked hard for her successes. Success, in whatever form it takes, is the result of commitment, effort and practice. Each of us can bring these qualities to whatever it is to which we desire to succeed. As we congratulate the Class of 2013 for the many, varied successes each student has achieved. We send each girl out to the world confident that she will always be a Loreto girl who loves learning.
19
The ‘Next Gen’ of creativity By Mr Matt Hustwaite
Loreto College students have continued our tradition of success in VCE arts and technology subjects.
20
This writer used to thrive on ungracefully composing a picture of an unidentifiable blob or setting upon an innocent piece of paper with angry orange crayon as a child, so that it could be shoved into a parents face to receive the obligatory gasp of “ Ooh, how creative!” There’s no concrete definition of creativity, but most experts agree it’s got something to do with the ability to come up with new ideas, new links between these and fresh expressions (with or without destroying a pack of Crayolas). Regardless of one’s definition, it is clear that here at Loreto College Ballarat we are not short of creative students, as evidenced by the success of our students at both the Next Gen Art Exhibition and the Top Design awards. Established to recognise excellence and innovation in
contemporary art and design practice, 75 artists are selected from 300 applicants in the Ballarat and Grampians region for the Next Gen Art Exhibition. Seven of our Loreto College artists were amongst the 75 selected with Phillipa Griffin awarded the Mixed Media Award for her work, ‘What hath night to do with sleep?’ and Keeley Cornwell who recieved the People’s Choice Award for her piece entitled ‘Around the World’. Meanwhile Product Design and Technology student Laura McKenzie has received the Deans Art Prize for Innovation at the Top Designs Exhibition. Presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and Melbourne Museum as part of the VCE Season of Excellence, Top Designs showcase a wide range of creative products including furniture, jewellery and fashion.
It was her creativity in the field of fashion that saw Laura’s vintage beach outfit gain recognition. This followed her achievement of a perfect study score of 50 for Product Design and Technology. Laura found herself back in the headlines again in April, this time with her classmate Meg Bray, as they were both recognised for their achievements in Product Design and Technology with Premier’s VCE Awards. These prestigious awards are presented to the top performing students for their outstanding academic achievements in the Victorian Certificate of Education. While the Next Gen exhibition has now closed, you can still view Laura McKenzie’s piece at the Top Designs exhibition until 13 July 2014 at Melbourne Museum.
21
22
Hashtag Activism By Mr Matt Hustwaite
Loreto College has joined a worldwide campaign to raise awareness for the Nigerian school girls kidnapped by a terrorist organisation in May 2014. 260 students gathered following a whole school assembly to raise posters and create a collective aerial image of a Nigerian girl with #bringbackourgirls emblazoned across the image. In May 2014, there were approximately 300 Nigerian schoolgirls who were taken by men in uniform carrying guns loaded into trucks and driven off. They remain in captivity, and their abductors say they won’t be released until their demands have been met. The incident sparked a social media awareness campaign. At our May Mass, Father Justin Driscoll spoke of the use of hashtag activism to shine a light on
the atrocity, saying that although we are geographically far away, one avenue to bring pressure is through digital media. College Co-Captain Megan Campbell said joining the campaign on a large scale was an initiative started by Loreto school captains across Australia. “The idea is to spur on to other schools in each city to keep the message going,” Ms Campbell said. Loreto schools across the country took part in the campaign, including Loreto College Ballarat where 260 girls each represented a missing girl and the prayers we send for their safety.
Megan said the scale of the issue had motivated her to actively campaign. “As a Loreto school girl we have so many opportunities and we are educated in a safe and happy environment. For that to be taken from those girls and taken from their families I think is upsetting,” she said. The image made by the students made front page news and spread quickly across the internet, contributing to the stand made by people worldwide against the atrocity in Nigeria.
23
Past Pupils’ Association By Ms Meg Barry – President
Following the “busy season” of reunions and gatherings, it is timely to reflect on the role of the Past Pupils’ Association
24
2014 - the Year of Sincerity - is flying by and the important year of 2015 is nearly here. In April 2015 we will gather with past pupils from around Australia to celebrate three momentous anniversaries - 140 years since the Loreto sisters arrived in Australia, the centenary of the death of Mother Gonzaga Barry and the Diamond Jubilee of the Loreto Federation. It is timely to reflect upon the role of the Past Pupils’ Association in the lives of past pupils across the generations and in its relationship with the current Loreto College Ballarat community. In response to requests to hold the Annual General Reunion earlier in the year past pupils met in February
for a liturgy, general meeting and luncheon. A small, committed group came together at this new time and look forward to increased numbers for the Annual General Reunion in years to come. Next year, Federation will replace the usual Annual General Reunion. It is important that the Past Pupils’ Association continues to represent all past pupils from our “golden girls” of the 1930’s to the girls who completed their education at Loreto in the first decade of the 21st Century. The Association offers opportunities to network, to share and to rekindle the friendships formed during the years spent at the Loreto schools in Ballarat
and beyond, for past pupils of other Loreto schools are always welcome. We continue to give back and foster the links with the College as the current staff educate modern girls in the values we have inherited from those first pioneering sisters. It is with great anticipation that we prepare for Federation 2015. “Watch this space” in the next edition of Verity and on the Loreto College Ballarat website for further details. We look forward to welcoming you back to Loreto Ballarat in April 2015.
25
High achievers It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the individual academic achievements of 35 outstanding students from 2013 and their commitment to their learning journey with our Academic Honours and Academic Excellence Awards.
26
27
Academic Honours
Elise Beynon
Esther Crowley
Caitlyn Daffey
Amy Dyer
Edwina Frost
Jessica Kelly
Rebecca Kerwan
Jordan Macklin
Annie Poulton
Samantha Schreenan
Tayla Seeary
Matilda Seery
Ellen Stapleton
Lauren Steele
Finn Stephenson
University offer: Bachelor of Science – Melbourne University
University offer: Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) – Latrobe University
University offer: Bachelor of Commerce/ Laws – Deakin University
University offer: Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) – Australian Catholic University
University offer: Bachelor of Health Science/ Podiatry – Latrobe University
University offer: Bachelor of Arts – Melbourne University
University offer: Bachelor of Nursing – Australian Catholic University
University offer: Bachelor of Fashion (Honours) - RMIT
University offer: Bachelor of Applied Public Health & Global Studies - Australian Catholic University
University offer: Bachelor of Speech Pathology – Australian Catholic University
University offer: Bachelor of Veterinary Science – James Cook University
University offer: Bachelor of Food & Nutritional Sciences – Federation University Australia
University offer: Bachelor of Arts – University of Melbourne
University offer: Bachelor of International Studies – RMIT
University offer: Bachelor of Arts – Melbourne University
Academic Excellence Awards FACULTY
NAME
VET
Talia
Collins
VET: Make Up Services sponsored by Salon Boji
Erin
Devaan
VET: Agriculture sponsored by Western Ag
Tayla-Jade
Dudley
VET: Certificate II in Community Services sponsored by Peter Ford Catering
Robyn
Hillyer
VET: Certificate III in Multimedia sponsored by KingPrint
Gabrielle
Mathieson
VET: Hospitality Kitchen Operations sponsored by The French Kitchen
Chelsea
Miller
VET Equine sponsored by Ballarat Vet Equine Clinic
Bronwyn
Taylor
VET: Hairdressing sponsored by Carey Accounting
Ana
Todd
VET: Music sponsored by SJ Weir
Clara
Bettio-Sandlant
Theatre Studies sponsored by Regent Entertainment
Ellen
Hogbin
Dance sponsored by Lou Lou’s Florist
Eloise
Lund
Music Performance sponsored by Gray Puksand
Jessica
Van Gaans
Music Performance sponsored by Gray Puksand
Lisa
Vu
Art sponsored by Radmac
Esther
Crowley
English sponsored by Ballarat Books
The Arts
English
AWARD
Literature sponsored by Maria Myers AO (Class of 1964) Humanities
Marko
Patcharanan
English (EAL) sponsored by Ballarat Books
Esther
Crowley
Global Politics sponsored by Jan Stephen (Class of 1964) Sociology sponsored by John McDonald
Health & Physical Education
LOTE
Mathematics
Amy
Dyer
Legal Studies sponsored by Avis Car Rentals
Edwina
Frost
History: Revolutions sponsored by MSP School Photography
Jordan
Macklin
History: Revolutions sponsored by MSP School Photography
Tayla
Seeary
Business Management sponsored by Regent Entertainment
Elise
Beynon
Health and Human Development sponsored by Central Chiropractic
Ella
Pipkorn
Physical Education sponsored by Bakers Delight (Eastwood Street)
Jasmine
Sanders
Health and Human Development sponsored by Central Chiropractic
Matilda
Seery
LOTE: French sponsored by Lifestyle Travel
Finn
Stephenson
LOTE: Japanese sponsored by Lifestyle Travel
Rebecca
Kerwan
Accounting sponsored by Prowse, Perrin & Twomey
Sophie
Lewis
Mathematics: Further Mathematics sponsored by Carey Accounting
Matilda
Seery
Mathematics: Specialist Mathematics sponsored by Kevin & Tricia Cosgriff Mathematics: Mathematical Methods sponsored by Thomas Electrical
Lauren
Steele
Mathematics: Further Mathematics sponsored by Bakers Delight (Wendouree)
Religious Education
Meaghan
Boatman
Religion and Society sponsored by Maria Myers (Class of 1964)
Science
Lily
Corboy
Biology sponsored by University of Notre Dame
Bayleigh
Curran
Biology sponsored by University of Notre Dame
Jessica
Kelly
Chemistry sponsored by Westlab Supplies
Samara
Smith
Physics sponsored by Kevin & Tricia Cosgriff Psychology sponsored by Maria Myers (Class of 1964)
Technology
Meg
Bray
Product Design and Technology sponsored by Crockers (Noone Imagewear)
Jessica
Kelly
Food & Technology sponsored by Basilio Sour Dough
Jordan
Macklin
Studio Arts sponsored by KingPrint
Laura
McKenzie
Product Design and Technology sponsored by Crockers (Noone Imagewear)
29
The influence of music
By Ms Kerry Foss – Fundraising and Community Relations Manager
Recognising the connections between music and academic success, Loreto College are calling on you to help establish Music/ Academic Scholarships. For some, it would come as no surprise that our past two College Duxes have been talented musicians. Katherine Kuek and Esther Crowley both achieved scores placing them in the top echelon of our nation’s students. They studied subjects across the sciences, advanced mathematics and languages. But where does the music connection come in to play you may ask?
30
31
“Music is my first love, and my greatest passion.” Head of Faculty, The Arts Ms Stephanie Greet believes that The Arts allow students to see real and tangible outcomes that connect strongly to their other key learning areas. “The Arts connect to the heart and soul of a student as well as their intellect, so it allows them to physically, emotionally and intellectually connect” says Ms Greet. “It (The Arts) is the natural partner to all of the other subjects that we offer here at Loreto College.” Research from the 2011 Song Room report ‘Bridging the Gap in School Achievement through the Arts’ conducted by Professor Brian Caldwell and Dr Tanya Vaughan found that music education enhances academic achievement. In particular, students who play a musical instrument achieve higher outcomes in mathematics. Research on The Arts, which includes music, demonstrates higher academic outcomes in mathematics, literacy and science for those students who also participated in artistic programs. Of course, the reality is that there are many hurdles along the way.
32
Specifically students in rural and regional areas face issues and barriers that are not experienced by their metropolitan peers. This was addressed in the Victorian Government Regional Policy Advisory Committee’s 2013 report ‘Research into Education Aspiration for Regional Victoria’ which also stated that this, in turn, affects their educational aspirations, outcomes and, consequently, their opportunities in life. Over the past seven years, we have been able to award Year 7 Academic Scholarships to girls who have embodied the spirit and values of Loreto and demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies. Now, we want to take scholarships a step further and introduce Music Excellence Scholarships. Our Music Excellence Scholarships will form part of a broader approach to integrating music and academic studies, thus complementing the completion of The Mary’s Mount Centre. The profound impact of music is evidenced by many of our past and present students. Esther Crowley, our College Dux for 2013, was heavily involved in the music program here at the
College, saying that “Music is my first love, and my greatest passion. “ “It means the world to me that I attended a school where the music program is so nurturing, welcoming and respected within its community” she says. “I honestly don’t know who I would be without the level of influence music has had in my life. I certainly don’t think I would have achieved so much academically.” It is both research and the stories of our Loreto girls which influence us to seek the support of our community for these Music Excellence Scholarships. You can help make success in The Arts and academic studies a reality for present and future students. Please support today’s ‘Loreto girls’ through Academic and Music Excellence Scholarships, by making a tax-deductible donation today. Secure online donations can be made at www. loreto.vic.edu.au/support-loreto/ scholarships or you can send a cheque made out to the “Loreto College Ballarat Scholarship Fund” to the Development Office, 1600 Sturt Street Ballarat, VIC 3350.
33
Back to D-Street By Margaret McKee (Class of 1971)
It was a trip down memory lane for past pupils of Loreto Dawson Street as they converged on their old campus for a reunion
34
On Sunday 26 October 2013 a reunion was held for former Loreto Dawson Street students who attended the College from 1966 – 1971 (including the Commercial College) and those who completed their education at Mary’s Mount.
front door, and walked over those beautiful original floor tiles.
The day started with afternoon tea at “The Quest” Function room, which now occupies the former Loreto Convent in Dawson Street. This brought back many memories for each and every one as we entered through the front gate and through the
We were delighted that the Principal of Loreto Judith Potter kindly joined us and warmly welcomed everyone. She spoke to us for a short time about the wonderful connection of being a Loreto girl, and the exciting projects taking place at Loreto College.
A warm ambience and feeling of excitement was evident as we began to reconnect and recognise each other and renew old friendships.
In the evening we met for Dinner at the Golden City Hotel opposite St Patrick Cathedral, where conversations and renewed friendships continued to take place late in to the night. There have been many notes of thanks and positive comments and a genuine interest in continuing to connect in the future. We will all look forward to that.
35
Loreto College Ballarat 1600 Sturt Street Ballarat, Victoria, 3350 p: (03) 5329 6100 f: (03) 5329 6111 loreto.vic.edu.au