Introducing our Captains of School

Stephanie Baré & Ella Lechte

What is important to you about being Captain of School?

Stephanie: Building relationships with students across the entire School is important to me, as it helps to understand how we can improve and move forward together. My aim is to help each student feel they are given opportunities to reach their full potential at Loreto Toorak. Therefore, I will continue to encourage the involvement of each student in all aspects of School life, which will ultimately build a more cohesive environment.

Ella: Being in the privileged position of Captain of School means giving back to the School community. This means I have the important responsibility to ensure every student feels that Loreto Toorak is a safe space, a place where we can all feel comfortable to be who we are and express individual passions. I want all students to have options and room to grow as a person, to be nourished and supported as they learn who they are.

What strengths do you bring to your role?

Stephanie: My persistence and reliability are, I think, one of the main reasons that I was elected as School Captain. I constantly try to get the most out of myself and others, as this is the best way to set each other up for success in all areas of life.

Ella: I am told that I am kind, honest and reliable. I think I bring perspective and insight to the role and, after years of lessons, I am a capable public speaker!

What does the value of Justice mean in the School context?

Stephanie: Within the School, Justice means that every student feels a sense of belonging when they come here. I think that Justice is a value in a which helps build an environment where everyone can strive for their personal best and enjoy coming to School every day. It is essential that I include each student, so everyone feels valued.

Ella: To me, the value of Justice means widening the School context itself. It is Steph’s and my goal to extend our search for justice into the wider Loreto Toorak community through School events such as Feast Day, Gaelic football match, and other fundraising opportunities. Justice, in my view, would be educating all our students on issues within society that we, as a privileged School community, can work towards improving.

What are you passionate about? How does that help you be a positive leader for the School community?

Stephanie: I love making the most of opportunities as they present themselves, because it is where friendships and sense of community can be found. I want to encourage other students to find their own passions, through participation in sport, music, drama and other Programs, and hence find this same sense of community.

Ella: I am incredibly passionate about nourishing the intra-School community, specifically between Year Levels. I want to ensure that every student in the School can find a safe place here and make contributions to discover issues and concerns that we can all act on, especially in this, the Loreto Year of Justice. This helps me to be a positive leader of the School community as it encourages me to assist the leaders of tomorrow in their path today.

What is the most valuable lesson your Loreto Toorak education has taught you?

Stephanie: Throughout my 13 years at Loreto Toorak, I have learned so many lessons that extend beyond the classroom. One of the most important things is that, without a support network around you, it is difficult to achieve your full potential. This is because collaboration is where new ideas are formed. Through different experiences, I have learned to seek help and advice from my peers and teachers, who offer solutions to problems as well as extending my knowledge beyond what I could learn by myself.

Ella: Loreto Toorak has taught me not only the valuable lessons of a formal education, but also the lessons of forming my sense of self in such students have shown in both Steph and me as Captains of School. In my view, my proudest accomplishment is the support and love I feel from the School community, especially the Year 12 students, as I walk through the Clendon Road gates. a supportive community. Specifically, I have learnt the importance of nurturing yourself, taking care of yourself and feeding your passions. For me this is allowing the School to teach the ability to communicate and convey my understanding in the world of language, through the formal education of French. Upon undertaking French, I have learnt valuable lessons in the formation of communication, as well as the importance of overcoming obstacles and boundaries to success.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Stephanie: There is not one specific moment of which I am most proud. Instead, I am proud of all my experiences and the friendships formed from them. These positive relationships have been forged out of each opportunity afforded to me during my 13 years at Loreto Toorak, some of which did not seem like fun in the moment. However, I have no regrets, which would have to be my proudest accomplishment.

Ella: I am most proud of the bonds I have formed with my own cohort, all of whom have grown closer throughout our education, proof of which is seen in the trust the Year 12