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The Joyous Spirit of Community
Lead Us On, Mary Ward A Celebration of the Joyous Spirit of Community
Lead Us On, a book which borrows its title from the well-known hymn by Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm, is a celebration of our Loreto canine companions.
This book, which is now available for sale, has been created as a fundraising project, with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to the Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund. It is through growing this fund that we support the education of girls into the future. Undoubtedly our dogs are very special members of our family; they promote positive health and wellbeing, facilitate social interactions and offer companionship and loyalty in abundance. Lead Us On has been a joyous project, with an overarching aim to continue building the strength of our community and another layer in the valued relationship between families and school. If we trace the story of our Foundress, Mary Ward, as she made her way across the European Alps on foot in order to meet with the Pope of the time, we find another character enter this story – that of a little dog. History tells us that Mary Ward was accompanied in her travels by this little dog for quite a way, and no doubt the companionship felt between them was very real and valued.
The little dog is also remembered in the bronze sculptural portrait of Mary Ward installed in the Glade, and the grounds of every Loreto School in Australia. At the base of the sculptural portrait of Mary, near her feet, little paw prints are represented; paw prints in the snow.
More than 200 dogs were photographed on the Lead Us On photoshoot day in May, all of whom appear in the pages of this beautiful publication. Families were invited to the official Lead Us On Launch in November, where guests exclaimed excitedly as they saw their beloved dogs immortalised in print. In her address, Dr Susan Stevens thanked the families, students and staff who were involved in the initiative. This project, run and staffed by volunteers, was an example of what can be achieved when all sections of our community work together for a good cause – and in addition, quite simply, it was great fun.
In this, the Loreto Year of Sincerity, we thank our school community for playing a special part in this project.
Opposite: Teddy (Front Cover and p.43, Lead Us On) Above (L-R): Remy (p.65), Melbourne (p.86), Zali (p.44-45), Sophie (p.41, Lead Us On) Below: The school community gather together to celebrate the launch of Lead Us On.
Introducing Mrs Teagan Boughton Director of Programs
Teagan Boughton, BPE, commenced at Loreto Toorak in 2016 as House Sports Coordinator and Physical Education teacher, and in the same year was appointed to Head of Rowing. In 2017, Teagan was appointed to the Head of Health Sciences, continuing with the dual roles. In 2019, Teagan was appointed to the new role of Director of Programs. She is also to complete her Masters of Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne this year.
As Director of Programs, what does your new role involve?
As Director of Programs, my new role involves overseeing Programs that are running throughout the School. We are aiming to create enriching learning experiences that complement a holistic development. This new role includes leading and liaising with our various Heads of Programs to continue to excel in our offerings and ensure we are working collaboratively to maximise participation and excellence. Moreover, it involves ensuring all students are engaged in Programs to enhance and compliment academic achievement, student formation and personal growth. What character strengths do you bring to the role? How do they help you in your work?
Some of my top character strengths include teamwork, kindness, gratitude and appreciation of beauty and excellence. Teamwork and gratitude help me within my role each day as I work with the Programs team, continuing to implement creative and excellent opportunities for our young women. In line with this, aiming to cultivate curiosity in my role to broaden and refine our offerings, ensuring we continue to lead the way in the field. I am always impressed and appreciative of what our talented students and staff can achieve, whether it be in the Arts, Music or Sport.
What areas of aspects of education are most important to you?
Education is a gift and something to be cherished. Continuing to ensure our Loreto education is inclusive and engaging whilst inspiring creativity, is important to me in order to enthuse our young women to be the best they can be. Education provides opportunities now and into the future. It is important to me that we continue to encourage students to engage in new and diverse challenges to foster their love of learning, and that this continues throughout each student’s life.
What are your future hopes for Loreto Toorak?
In the future, I hope we continue to offer a holistic education that allows students to flourish in our fastpaced and changing society. I also hope that we are shaping our young women and encouraging them to be global citizens, independent and striving to realise their capabilities. I hope we can continue to provide Programs that stimulate critical and creative thinking, while continuing to expand and hone an array of opportunities. What does this year’s theme “let our actions be a reflection of our hearts’ true intention” mean to you? How has it inspired your approach to the role?
Letting our actions reflect our hearts’ true intent, is something I reflect upon each day and encourage our students to embody in every interaction. Ensuring that we are always acting with sincerity inspires me in my every day interactions with the students, my colleagues and the wider community. Acting with sincerity and gratitude continues to inspire my work within this new role.
With great joy we proudly announce our new School Councillors for 2019/2020. We trust that they will exercise their responsibilities with wisdom, generosity, joy and in solidarity with their companion Councillors. We congratulate this group of students, who have pledged themselves as leaders of Loreto Toorak, that they may understand their responsibilities and carry out their duties in the spirit of kindness and concern for others. May they strive to observe the rules and help to maintain and develop a good spirit in the School so that all who form this Christian community in the spirit of Mary Ward may grow together in the love and service of God and all people. We thank our outgoing Year 12 Leaders for all they have contributed to the School during their time of influence.
Captains of School
Mia O’Callaghan, Francesca Zappia Pastoral Portfolios
Year 7 Zoe Dobbin, Amy Quinlan Year 8 Alessandra Negline, Mercedes Purcell Year 9 Katerina Bitzios, Holly Searby Year 10 Laura Ellingworth, Kasie Wang Year 11 Isabella Caleo, Marietta Stents
ELC-Year 6 Liaison Sophia Banadinovich, Ruby Richardson Environment Bridgette Casey, Anneka Davys Liturgy Yasmin Fuller, Tess Kelliher Social Justice Elenoire Faiola, Millicent Walker Wellbeing Natalie Catalfamo, Grace Lambos
Barry Alexandra Desmond, Anastasia Purcell Mulhall Lucinda Brown, Giulia Massimini Mornane Melia Anastasopoulos, Mackenzie Howard Ward Riley Burns, Tess Langton
Performing Arts Portfolios
Sport Portfolios
Drama Captain Isabella Caleo Music Captains Serena Su, Kasie Wang Public Speaking Captain Alessandra Negline Leader of Loreto Symphony Orchestra Kasie Wang Leader of Symphonic Band Elizabeth Prosser Leader of Stage Band Laura Ellingworth School Pianist Thi Tran Senior Choristers Ella Mitsch, Marietta Stents
Sports Captain Eleanor McFarlane Aerobics Ruby Richardson AFL Bridie Howard, Charlie Rowbottom Athletics Eleanor McFarlane, Anastasia Purcell Badminton Shannon Mao Basketball Laura Hamilton Cricket Tess Hickey Cross Country Sophie O’Connell, Darcie Slattery Diving Mercedes Purcell Gymnastics Bridget Bryant Hockey Samantha Guggenheimer Netball Mia Lucas, Sophie Tanner Rowing Katerina Bitzios, Anneka Davys Snowsports Elise Kenny Soccer Giulia Mazzeo Softball An Pham Swimming Madeleine Hooker, Alexandra Rapkins Tennis Constance Kennedy Triathlon Gretel McKenzie, Ruby Richardson Volleyball Bridgette Casey Water Polo Madeleine Hooker, Alexandra Rapkins
