»e
MMDEVILL]kN Registered by Australia Post Publication Number VBH 7636 Vol. 2 No. 3 September 1987
A NEW PRINCIPAL
NO-ONE IS A
'V
STRANGER
- SISTER DEIRDRE ROFE, I.B.V.M.
With the last few months of our school year
ahead of us, it might be an appropriate time to reflect on how we have responded as
At the end of August, the position of Principal
individuals, as families and as a school
of Loreto, Mandeville Hall was advertised
community to the issues highlighted by
nationally. The intention is to appoint the first
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.
lay Principal of the school for January 1989.
As most of us enjoy the comforts of a secure
Such a move brings the reality of the changing
face of Catholic education to the doorstep of
lifestyle, it is often easy to choose not to
FS
confront the reality that 1,031,000,000
Toorak. Any change brings with it a sense of
people in the world are homeless; that many
sadness at losing something familiar and yet, there is anticipation and hope that the change will bring new ideas and energy. Such feelings
thousands of Melburnians spend each night in our parks, on our streets, slumped in doorways, in Brotherhood Bins ...
mark this initiative. For 63 years, there has
This, however, is the painful, confronting and
been an I.B.V.M. Principal at Toorak. Over
challenging reality.
these years a school with a strong identity and
As a school, we have made small, but
sense of purpose has been formed. The
significant responses in the three following
Provincial Council of the I.B.V.M. has decided
areas:
that the time is right for the school to be
:€ *·i : :'* * §2{{
handed over to lay administration. This move has the assurance of support from 1.B.V.M. personnel and administrative structures. And so a new phase in the school's history begins. The forces for continuity are strong. A committed staff have been working with the
CURRICULUM
ilit
4As Christian educators, we have made a
concerted effort this year to educate ourselves and our students about the realities of poverty,
Loreto Education Philosophy and more recently the I.B.V.M. Mission Statement for Schools.
injustice and homelessness in our world. In
*St
These
response to 1.B.V.M. initiatives, each faculty has
two documents will continue to provide the
been encouraged to explore ways in which a
inspiration and guidance for all undertakings
Christ-like disposition of love for the poor can
in Loreto schools. The I.B.V.M. will provide
be fostered in our students. We have attempted
support through the presence of a religious
to challenge the many students who uphold
community at the school and through the I.A.S. (Institute Accountbility Structure), a
the belief that the homeless and the poor bring
panel of I.B.V.M. educationalists who will visit
difficult to promote loyalty, commitment and
suffering upon themselves. It is sometimes
the school regularly to advise the Principal and
love toward people who are not "like us."
to support initiatives taken. The Advisory
Jesus challenges us to welcome strangers into
Board will continue to be a source of expert
our homes. Has this challenge impinged on
advice and are committed to the school's
your life this year? Through our Religious
welfare.
Education program, our students have certainly
A change such as this presents a challenge to
welcomed strangers into their hearts. Many
all sections of the School community. The
classes have focused on areas of poverty in the
goodwill of the parents, students and past
local context and have become more attuned
pupils is essential. There is everything to gain
to the plight of refugees, the ultimate victims
from adopting a positive, hopeful attitude to
CLEAN AIR
the move. The converse is equally true.
Some people have asked "Why Toorak?". The
Congratulatiions to Prep, Years 1 and 2 who
simple answer could be "Why not Toorak?",
won second
however there are better reasons. The
relatively high concentration of I.B.V.M,
personnel in Melbourne was one factor which determined the choice of Toorak as the first of
the I.B.V.M. schools to be handed over to lay administration. In the context of decision-
making regarding the future of Loreto schools, it was a case of when, not if, on this particular
prize in the poster competition
were presented with a nursery voucher for
$250 for the school. In making the
of homelessness, in our world.
LITURGIES
run in conju nction with the Environmental
presentation Mr. Kennan said " The quality
Protection A uthority's Clean Air Campaign.
and standard of entries and the , large
We have pondered the deeper reality of
Ann Conroy (Year 1) and Prudence Doig
volume received, reflects the cc )ncern
I.Y.S.H. at a number of school liturgies this
(Prep) attencled a press conference at
younger people have for the ai r
Treasury Pla,ce with our Science
environment."
year. At the Mass to open the school year, the
Junior School community prayed : "God our Father, no one is a stranger to You and no one
Co-ordinatoi -, Mrs. Virginia Moloney and
is ever far from Your loving care." We celebrated this unconditional outpouring of
point of lay administration. Like most Orders,
Christ's love at a number of liturgies to mark
the I.B.Y.M. has been steadily declining in
JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE
numbers. (Some statistics may help: there is currently no professed member of the I.B.V.M.
the Feast of the Sacred Heart on 26 June.
Students participated creatively in these respective liturgies and made a symbolic
- RUSSELL STAIFF
who is under the age of 30; there has not been a vocation to the I.B.V.M. from Toorak since
offering of food to be given to our homeless neighbours - those who hunger ... literally,
1965.) It is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain our present commitments to schools. Added to this is the belief that religious need to be constantly alert and free to respond to
News of the Senior School's plans to
"go overseas" and for many, the experience
celebrate Australia's Bi-centenary
is a return to "home".
has travelled very quickly indeed.
In this behaviour there is both
FUNDRAISING
In April, 1988, 680 students along with the
The desire among students to give has
new missions in the Church.
entire Senior School staff and a support
acknowledgement and denial. We acknowledge that we are all migrants in this
The appointment of the new Principal will be made by the Provincial, Sister Anne McPhee I.B.V.M.. She will be assisted in this task by
team of perhaps 70 personnel will leave
land and that we have created a multi-
increased as the year has progressed. Although
Toorak in a convoy of 17 buses and begin its
donating money cannot be hailed as a cure for
two interviewing panels. The first will be made up of members of the I.B.V.M., two members
It seems appropriate that Australia's Bi-
of the Advisory Board and a representative of the C.E.O.. The final panel will comprise four
members of the I.B.V.M.. The panel members have been selected on the basis of their
familiarity with Catholic education and the Loreto spirit; they bring to the task wide experience and expertise,
We hope to be able to announce the new appointment some time in November. During this period of interviewing and decision making, 1 would ask the support in prayer of
the school community, that the Holy Spirit of Wisdom ancl Truth will guide those entrusted
with the important task of selecting the new Principal.
Australian, and that this reflection should
cultural society. We deny the harshness of an environment that we have never really accepted in our hearts. Perhaps the latter is the guilt of the trespasser who knows deep down that the soul of our Aboriginal brothers and sisters is spiritually wedded to
involve a real journey of self-discovery
the land and has been for thousands and
rather than the second-hand experience of
thousands of years.
the classroom.
Thus a pilgrimage to the centre of Australia is an opportunity to not only celebrate the
epic-making trek to the centre of our nation. centenary should be the occasion to reflect on the question of what it is to be an
But why a pilgrimage to Central Australia that involves the entire Senior School? For
Bi-centenary of white settlement, a
most of us the heart of this ancient
momentous occasion for us all, but in the
continent is both alien and remote.
spirit of the pilgrim, with peace and
Culturally, Australia's soul is nourished by Europe. Geographically our cities cling to the coastline. Climatically we defy the arid and hot summers by keeping our lawns green. For a multitude of reasons we long to
reconcilation in our hearts to reflect on who we are as Australians.
In pilgrimage then is a journey of discovery, of praise, of thankfulness and of celebration.
the extensive social problems that confront us, it has been heartening to witness the improvement of our students to take action. So far this year we have sent money to Community Aid Abroad for their Mozambique Appeal, the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau to
support their work with homeless women and local networks to support refugees during their difficult period of resettlement. A special thanks must go to Year 10 and 12 students for their fundraising efforts. Our students have taken the initiative.. How
can we, as the Loreto Community at Toorak, make a more tangible contribution to the alleviation of suffering among the homeless in
our own city, in our country and in the international community? 1.Y.S.H. is almost over...
LORETO
hy *>1 1
TERM 4
1987 OCTOBER
NUTRITION WEEK
FAITH
Nutrition week is now an annual event
DEVELOPMENT
organized by the Home Economics department. Staff and students are involved in a variety of nutritious activities. This year the fun was started with competitions for slogans and posters and continued throughout the week with plays which
Staff In-service day
6 Tues
Students return. Normal classes.
7 Wed
Monday timetable in the Senior
little of it to us in a clear, well-balanced
form. He gave statistics from an English survey which showed that about 48% of the population has had sonie significant faith experience but that few people had been able to share the experience with anyone.
Students from all levels prepared nutritious lunches which were then sold in the canteen
SchooL
each day. Exotic sandwiches, hot yoghurt
Without sharing our faith it does not
7.30 p.m. Scholarship Trustees
filled potatoes and marvellous muffins were
develop. In our fast moving culture, this sharing is infrequently easy. Often we feel we'd like to stop all the distractions and simply be with our families especially when we are trying to express our reason for
8 Thurs
8.00 p.m. Loreto Advisory
12 Mon
Year 7 Geography - R.E.
*24&:.4
included in the fare.
NETBALL
Board meeting.
- CATHY LANYON
excursions. Year 11 Alternative Work
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Experience week.
Year 7 Geography - R.E.
CO-ORDINATOR
excursions.
14 Wed
15 Thurs
people live out their faith but it fails to
grow. It is only with growth that we can appreciate the richness of the biblical word
1.00 p.m. Mothers' Association
7.00 p.m. 1988 Dates meeting. 8.00 p.m. Fathers' Association Committee meeting.
direction in her teaching career. At the end
Grades 5 and 6 with some valuable match
of August the Junior School farewelled her,
experience. The organization and coaching
as she embarked on a three year teaching
of these teams is a demanding task and
term in Kenya.
would not be possible without the interest and support of staff and parents. This year our teams have put in some excellent performances. Although no premierships have come our way this year the standard of play has been very high.
Sunday Seminar No. "Social Fencing competition in the P.E.
Sr Marie was a staff member at Mandeville
Centre.
for seven and a half years. In that time she taught over two hundred Year 1 girls and each year took a very special interest in the
Creative Arts Festival in the
Recital.
This was evidenced when selected teams
school report for 1987. Last day for Year 12.
outside Australia before, Sr Marie has had a
Junior School Sports Day.
wide experience in the profession, teaching in almost every state of Australia.
To cater for the large numbers of girls wishing to play the Physical Education
7.30 p.m. Turana Dance.
25 Sun
First Communion at St. Peter's
27 Tues
Year 10 Geography field day. 8.00 p.m. General Parent meeting. Presentation of the
31 Sat )
Over the last six months Sr Marie has
NOVEMBER Melbourne Cup long weekend.
2 Mon ) Monday is a school holiday. 3 Tues )
Inter-house swimming at the State Swim Centre.
History - Politics Seminar at Toorak for staff of other Loreto
6 Frid
schools.
6 Frid
Testing of new Year 7 students for 1988. 9 a.m. Year 10 & 11 Father-
Daughter Mass. Sunday Seminar No. 4 "Sexually Transmitted Diseases". 9 Mon
VCE (Year 12)
10 Tues
Year 11 Geography field day
exams commence.
12 Thurs Inter-house Rowing Regatta and Barbeque 14 Sat
Open Day for new parents
15 Sun
Parents' Tennis Day. Faculty Co-ordinators' Seminar
at St. Mary's College (continuing to November 16) 17 Tues
Ancient Olympics Day for Year 7
19 Thurs 8.00 p.m. Fathers' Association Committee Meeting 21 Sat Testing of new Students in Years 8 - 11 22 Sun
9.00 a.m. Year 3&4 Father-
Daughter Mass 23 Mon
Swot vac. for Year 11
24 Tues
Swot vac. for Years 10 & 11
25 Wed
End of year exams begin
DECEMBER 1 Tues
Exams conclude
2 Wed-
Correction Days and Review Meetings
3 Thurs
7 Mon
8 Tues
9 Wed
this was a matter of renewing old acquaintances with former Year 1 pupils, but she also got to know all the girls who had joined the school after Year 1. She was a great asset to the library. Pat Moylan remarked that by the time Sr Marie left she had processed every new book
Park. It provided a complete day of netball
for the girls against a variety of High Schools and Colleges - some from country Victoria.
research Father based much of his lecture,
describes three stages of faith development. In the first stage, the small child is taught the concept of a God who directs the course of events and is loving. The adolescent questions her faith, and may feel that God is an irrelevant part of her life but nevertheless has a curiosity and may decide to explore different forms of worship. The third stage is in mid-life when one has achieved set
goals or found them unattainable and has turned to God and faith for some fulfillment in life. Since Vatican II we have had to take
personal responsibility for our faith development and for the development of faith in our children. Some parents were concerned that their parish did not meet the requirements of the younger parishoners. Father Meehan encouraged them to discuss this with their parish priest and encourage him to adapt. Father Meehan offered us an excellent cameo of his wealth of knowledge and research on faith development. Most of us find it difficult to offer God some
Department runs an inter-house competition at lunchtimes during Second Term. Mornane was this year's winner.
quiet space in our lives, let alone to read
As each season concludes we always look
both the opportunity to listen to Father
about faith development, so we appreciated
forward to the next successful year of
Meehan's thoughts and ideas and time to
netball. Roll on 1988 Netball Season!
discuss faith with other parents.
SIXTY-SIXES AND SIXTY-SEVENS
waiting to be shelved - a librarian's dream come true!
The Mothers' Club invited Sr Marie to afternoon tea to farewell her and to show
their appreciation for her hard work and devotion to the Junior School. She was also
a special guest at the Fathers' Association meeting.
Considered the green fingers of the Junior School, Sr Marie nurtured a wide range of pot plants which were distributed to the
classrooms for all to enjoy. She also kept a keen eye on the garden beds around the
school and made sure they provided a colourful display all year round. At a school farewell the Year 5 girls recited
a poem they had composed in honour of Sr Marie's departure and she was pres€ nted
with a cheque to buy books for her students in Kenya. She also received flowers and a card signed by every girl in the school to take with her on her travels. Our prayers and good wishes go with her.
€%.
1 42%:3
URGENT Anyone who left Loreto, Mandeville Hall, Toorak, between the years 1925-1940 is
school to Sr. Ruth Winship, I.B.V.M., Loreto
PAST PUPILS
Shrieks of excitement and recognition
Ann Anderson and Sister Anne McPhee, the
greeted each woman who entered the front
Sixty-Sixes departed for dinner at Helen
Senior School in the P.E. Centre
If you know the present address of the following Past Pupils, please contact Miss
parlour at a joint cocktail party re-union of the Classes of 1966 and 1967 on Saturday, 15 August. After a couple of hours of animated chat and catching-up with some of our "old" teachers, including Mrs Schaefer, Mrs Marron, Sister John Baptist, Sister
Ogge's (Vale) and the Sixty-Sevens to Jane
Convent, 10 Mandeville Crescent, Toorak,
3142, as soon as possible.
Pictured: The Sixty Sevens together again
7.30 p.m. Year 12 Graduation
Vicki Brennan, 274 Alma Road, North
Dinner Dance at Leonda.
Caulfield, 3161.
Staff in-service day.
Mrs. K. Ring
Mrs. R Fidge
Mrs. P. Lachlal
Miss G. Murphv Miss C. Gleisner
Term 4 ends.
16 Wed
know every girl in the school. In many cases
Schoolgirls Netball Championship at Royal
development. James Fowler, on whose
7.30 p.m. Year 11 Graduation Mass and supper 8.00 p.m. Year 12 Graduation Mass and supper 7.30 p.m. Turana Dance 10.00 a.m. Final Assembly for
10 Thurs Staff in-service day.
11 Frid
worked in the Junior School library, where she has made a particular effort to get to
competed in the Annual Victorian
of God and allow space in our lives for that
asked to send her name (present and maiden), current address and date of leaving
4 Frid
6 Sun
children in her care. When she left Year 1 at
the end of last year, she left a memento of her dedication in the comprehensive range and organisation of teaching resources she had built up. She was a valued staff member, as she was always willing to advise and help other teachers in her area of expertise. Although she has not taught
23 Frid
8 Sun
The Junior School has recently become involved in a Saturday morning competition held at Genazzano and this is providing
committee meeting.
7.30 p.m. Year 12 Oak Parlour
5 Thurs-
SAFARI
difficult process.
This term Sr Marie Kelly takes a new
Senior School.
5 Thurs
SISTER MARIE ON
Past Pupils' Luncheon. 2.30 p.m. Communication sub-
behaviour out of School".
1 Sun )
Without any life challenge or crisis these
games played at Mandeville, however it continues to enjoy wide support throughout the school. Girls are always enthusiastic to obtain a position in one of the school's eleven teams, and with an average of 60 girls trying out at any level, selection is a
Room.
30 Frid
rushes us on. For some their faith
development stops at quite an early age.
committee meeting.
AGM in the Community Dining
21 Wed
Unfortunately the constant stream of living
Netball is one of the more traditional team
1.30 p.m. Mothers' Association
18 Sun
believing in God.
8.00 p.m. Finance sub-
Committee meeting.
16 Frid
wealth of knowledge and he presented a
Killa Youle. Speakers encouraged us to eat aboriginal health.
meeting.
13 Tues
The seminar on faith development was most stimulating. Father Barry Meehan S.J. has a
introduced us to Princess Annie Rexia and
wisely and discussed the advances made in
5 Mon
SEMINAR
School office closes for the year
Mrs. D. Gleistier
Mrs. A.T. Mullanv Miss R. Cass
Miss G. Lewis
Mrs+ J. Efthim
Mrs. M. O'Shaughnessv
Mrs. M Wilson
Margarita, Sister Genevieve Davey, Sister
Nathan's (Willis). We would like to thank Sister Maureen and
the Community and also Jane, Helen and their families for the use of their homes on
this most successful and happy evening.
CONNECTING THE
THE WEEK
IT WAS
CHAINS
THE BEST
CAMP!
- BRAD ALLAN
YEAR 10 CO-ORDINATOR
It's funny how, in a few short years, your point of view can change radically. As a student I looked at the school in one way and now, as a teacher, my perception of it is quite different. I look back on my schoolgirl self with affection as I recall the things I did, felt, believed and said with outrageous
"Can you feel the eye-chains? Are they connected?"
"Yes ... I think so."
"You'll need to push your arm in further." "It's all warm and ... slimy."
"Take the fore-legs. Got them? All right ... now take the eye-chains and draw it out ..."
certainty.
And there it was. Claire Leoncelli of 10
This retrosptective reflection can be most enlightening and I find it inspires and informs my work with students. As I experience school events I often have a tremendous feeling of excitement and
Green had delivered her first baby. A baby calf, that is.
To Angus and Milly, a girl, Bessie, 110 kilograms, brown eyes, black and white hair. Mother and daughter both doing well.
curiosity. I can remember how I felt as a
Thanks to Dr. Leoncelli.
student about similar events and I eagerly anticipate the new feelings and perceptions
The main idea of Year 10 work experience is to expose students to new experiences in
of a teacher.
the market place so that they make informed choices about prospective careers. During one week in July our Year 10 girls
The 1987 Year 11 Christian Living Camp was one of these times. My memories of my own Christian Living Camp are disjointed. I
all ventured beyond the waiis of Loreto Mandeville Hall to explore the world beyond. Some were disappointed with their experiences, while others had their
can vividly remember one boy falling asleep during morning meditation and snoring loudly. Another boy carried a large black furled umbrella with him for the duration of
expectations fulfilled. As I said to the girls when they returned to school after their Work Experience, even bad experiences can be good experiences. By that I mean that those students who
the camp. I remember the intense soul bearing conversations which we girls had
during free time. Then there were the Get to Know You games, the Trust Walk and washing up duty. I certainly know that my
were disillusioned by their experiences have actually experienced something valuable:
Year 12 social life was a direct result of the
camp but my memories of the "Christian living" aspect of the camp are scant. (There
they have found out that their intended careers were not really what they wanted
DOWNHILL ALL THE WAY
was, I beli eve, a session on Justice. It was
after all and have realized that they ought to
raining at the time.) I was one
ACTING
-VAL DONALD, YEAR 9 CO-ORDINATOR
of the original Christian Living
Campers, and this year, as the time of the fortified by hot soup and hambu rgers at
consider other options and courses. These girls gained an insight into the reality of many people's daily work life and they learnt how to cope with situations which are
tenth anniial Mandeville-Xavier camps
For most Year 9's the highlight of the School
approache d and we teachers were frantically
Year is the annual Ski Camp. This year was
lunchtime, most girls were able 1 :o do both
preparing, I wondered whether Christian
by the end of the day.
less than ideal.
Day two is the "Big One" with t}ie hair-
my day. H:id the "Christian living" theme
no exception. 115 students, 9 teachers and 2 "old" girls set off from Mandeville on 27 July which was a
raising trip to Mt. Hotham and s kiing harder
During the month that included our girls' Work Experience, Australia's current account
become m ore important? Given our fervent
brilliant, almost spring-like day. "Could
runs at this resort. The advancedI and
deficit rose to $1,348 million and the dollar
preparatio n, surely the girls' memories of
there really be snow up in the Alps?" we
intermediate skiers went into tw o ski classes,
fell half a cent. The evidence against us is
their camFis would differ from the memories
wondered, but we need not have given the
while the not-so-new beginners .spent their
entirely circumstantial.
Living Carnps had changed drastically since
of my cam p. weather another thought. Snow fell in During th, 3 camp I watched and waited.
abundance for the whole week.
What wou ld the girls remember? From my
First stop was Beechworth, an historic old
point of vi ew there couldn't have been more
town, which we toured with a guide who
"Christian
pointed out the various buildings and
living". I felt very priveleged to
be among these young people as they
landmarks. We then drove a short distance
shared the ir faith experiences and grew
to Valley Homestead, hear Myrtleford, which
together a, : friends. We shared a wonderful
was our base for the week.
Mass in w hich everyone participated. By the
What excitement there was as the Alps,
time we h. ad to leave the camp site I was on
capped with a welcoming blanket of snow,
a high. I h ad found it a very exciting,
came into sight. The first day on the slopes
enlighteniiig and exhilarating experience.
is traditionally spent at Mt. Buffalo where
The girls ,vere also on a high, but while I
there are excellent nursery slopes, a very
was thinki ng of faith development, they
gentle poma and a chair lift. All the
were tall<i
ig about boys, camp food and
time at "Big D", a good area witti several different runs and an excellent q uad-chair lift.
Day three was a rest day and th€3 girls spent time at Valley Homestead, engag ed in various outdoor activities, A rest ful day it
groups of 12 to learn how to turn and, more
how your perception changes.
importantly, how to stop! After being
SAUSAGES - TONY GAMBLE
was not. Activities included an a erial
A small yet significant sub-committee of the
obstacle course, a fitness course and a 13
Fathers' Association initiated the Father/
kilometre bike ride, only 4 kms c,f which
Daughter Masses which are now seen as an integral part of the School Calendar. The
were on a sealed road!
The final day came all too soon, and the
Masses contribute in several different ways
morning spent skiing at Mt. Buff alo left
to the objectives of joint worship and social
everyone wanting more. We wer e very
interaction, and also enable the Fathers'
reluctant to take off our skis. Ou r spirits
Association to offer the proceeds from the
beginners were assigned to ski instructors in revived as the buses approached Melbourne.
outrageou: 1 camp happenings....It's funny
PRAYERS AND
collections to the Scholarship Fund.
The thought of a cosy, warm bec i and a long
The current program of eight Masses, which
sleep, was very appealing.
is planned at the commencement of each
year, provides the opportunity for all girls from Prep to Year 11, to join with their fathers at a 9 a.m. Service, and then to share
a hearty breakfast prepared by a rostered
LORETO FAMILY INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIP
team of volunteer father cooks. The
breakfast is exceptionally popular and provides an excellent opportunity for fathers to mingle with school staff and members of
- COLETTE BURNES, LORETO TOORAK PAST PUPILS' ASSOCIATION Loreto Convent, Calcutta, India was
meant that the children all got something
Sponsorship Scheme. Your money will not
established in 1843 mainly for the
extra to eat at breakfast - a banana, a dhal
be misdirected as all administrative work is
upbringing and education of orphans.
puri (a lentil pancake) and even an egg once
At present approximately 500 children,
a week. But recently prices have gone up so
who are either orphans or children who have been neglected, abandoned or severely deprived - some sent by Mother Teresa - are
drastically these things can no longer be provided - or maintain the buildings or even
done voluntarily by members of our Loreto Toorak Past Pupils' Association. $170.00 of the money donated is sent directly to India with $5.00 being used to help with printing
pay the staff without a lot of extra help. You
and postage costs.
being cared for at Entally.
remember the problems of leaking roofs in
Your sponsorship will help change the
These children have frequently suffered
the dormitories and infirmary and the
quality of life for a little girl who will learn
from malnutrition and/or tuberculosis as a
struggle to keep up the water supply -
that there are caring people in the world
result of the appalling living conditions of
tubes, pumps and water tanks .... to help
and that there is someone who cares for her
Calcutta. Lacking food, clothing and
with all of this sponsorships will be
in particular. The Institute of the Blessed
The Fathers' Association extends a warm
education, they have had to live in an
invaluable!"
Virgin Mary will be deeply grateful for your
welcome on behalf of the school and
atmosphere that is far from suitable for
At the last General Congregation of the
commitment.
growing children and are in desperate need
I.B.V.M., the stated option "preferential love
of your assistance. necessity to provide food for so many
of the poor" was strongly affirmed as a major Apostolic Priority. Each Province was urged seriously to "bring to this response
children - 500 meals, three times per day,
the creative thinking needed to enable the
every day of the year!
poor to develop their own resources and to
LORETO FAMILY' INTERNATIONAL
Quoting from a letter sent to us by Sister
use them constructively to help themselves and others."
SPONEFORSHIP
Eileen, I.B.V.M., from Entally - "All of the children requiring sponsorship are very
From this statement the inspiration to
poor. There is, among many, the usual
instigate the "Loreto Family International
and generous also if you h,ave the means." *lag Ward.)
history of desertion, cruelty (because of
Sponsorship Scheme", to enable members
I wish to spc ,nsor a child for
alcohol problems), unemployment,
of our Loreto Family to sponsor a child in
Loreto Fami ly International.
miserable housing conditions, etc. The little
need, was conceived.
bit of help we get for some is never enough
Individual sponsorship of $175.00 per year,
One of the biggest problems at Entally is the
the Loreto Community. Recently discussions were held which were aimed at discovering what girls thought of Father/Daughter Masses and at possibly reviewing the format. The joint discussions were between the Fathers' Association and students from each of the three most senior
years. The girls strongly supported the idea at the Masses and revealed that Year 12 was
also keen to have its own Father/Daughter Mass.
recommends that all fathers join in these
important and joyous occasions in the school year.
"Be compassionate and merciful towards the poor
BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE
I enclose my first payment of $175.00
to cover the cost of even ordinary expenses,
will completely cover the cost of food for a
MR/MRS/MISS
food, lodging, tuition, not to mention
child, with the remainder being used for
ADDRESS
clothes, books, medical care and extra-
medicines, books, clothes and the other
curricular activities. There have been so
many heart rending cases, no wonder the
necessities of her daily life. Details of the child sponsored will be forwarded to you as
children find it so difficult to concentrate in
soon as they are received from India.
school, knowing their family circumstances.
We envisage that this will be an ongoing
LORETO FAMIIY INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIP
Because of some extra help obtained, it has
commitment by you, with an annual
LORETO, MANDEVIL,LE HALL,
been possible to improve the food which
donation to the Loreto Family International
Please make cheque or money order payable to
CITY
STATE
POSTCODE
PHONE( )
RETURN TO (ENVELOPE ENCLOSED)
10 MANI)EVILLE CRESCENT, ZOORAK, VICTORIA, 3142
Loreto Family International.
A yearly reminder of the date of your next sponsorship payment will be forwarded to you. Our most sincere thanks.
4 JUNIOR SCHOOL IN 1 BRIEF
SECOND HAND BOOK SALE
PAST PUPIL PROFILE THE CAT AND THE FIDDLE Dr. Mary Muirhead returned to school recently in her professional capacity as a Veterinary Surgeon to address students
- ALISON ADAMS The Second Hand Book Sale is a
challenging organisational task which last year raised $1,400 for the Mothers' Association. These funds were given to the School for the creation of a quiet haven for readers. Thirty mothers were involved in
during the annual Careers Evening, held on
the sale of about two and a half thousand
2 September. Mary, one of two students to
Science degree at Melbourne University
books supplied by two hundred and eighty eight girls from Years 7 to 12. The basic team of year co-ordinators met first in November to compile the list of books to be
before succumbing to her passion for
called up for sale. Care was taken not to
animals and transferring to Veterinary
miss titles and not to call-up outdated
gain Dux of the School in her final year at Mandeville (1980), completed one year of a
Science. During the early years of this course she juggled orchestral commitments
editions. In December our enlarged team
took delivery of the books from droves of
with her veterinarian work. Typical of this was the memorable summer spent in
The books were carefully classified and
Western Australia, playing violin in an
priced for the Saturday sale. On the
Australian Youth Orchestra season and then
working for a fortnight on a pig farm! As the demands of the course increased her
violin received less and less attention,
especially during the final two clinical years at Werribee tending sick animals at all hours
excited girls who had just concluded exams.
following Monday after the sale, unsold
books were returned and cheques for payment were completed and then distributed on Tuesday. To illustrate some of the benefits of the Book Sale, we have
randomly selected the selling and buying
of the day and night. This loss to the music
records of two girls who, in 1986, sold Year
world is appreciated by the many ailing
8 and 10 books and bought Year 9 and 11
four-legged and winged creatures who visit
books. These four transactions reduced the
her each day at the large Bundoora surgery
total of their combined book list by
where she has worked since graduating.
$206.50. If the Second Hand Book Sale is to be a
continuing service which benefits families and School, we will always need people who can work as year co-ordinators for at least two years. This will provide continuing expertise in how to manage this not inconsiderable operation which must be
conducted swiftly and efficiently in the short time available between the conclusion of
examinations and the end of the school year. Thanks to the team of 1986. For 1987 we
need twelve people who can give five days and a Saturday morning and eight volunteers who can give two full or four ,!11111!1'.
half days and a Saturday morning. Volunteers please ring 882 5263.
HISTORY MYTHS
CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK <4f·ie r
Children's Book Week is always a big event on the Junior School calender. This year
Miss Moylan had so many offers of help, she had to use a ballot to select girls for the Book Week Committee. The Year 6 girls chosen, were expected to decorate the library, including the display boards and to outline the competition activity ior each year level.
The theme for Children's Book Week this
OBITUARY
SISTER DOLOROSA
McKERNAN, I.B.V.M. Veronica Bertha McKernan, (Sister Dolorosa,
or "Aunty Vera" as she was called by her
many nieces - among them the Brownell Family); died on 22 June at Cabrini Hospital. The Requiem Mass was here at Mandeville on 24 June.
Sister Dolorosa taught first at Perth, where she was stationed for a number of years. She later taught in Loreto Schools in Ballarat, St. Mary's College, Kirribilli, Portland, and finally Toorak. Wherever she went she was known for her great enthusiasm and infectious happiness. As one of her former pupils wrote recently in a Western Australian paper: 'Her cheerful and outgoing personality quickly won our hearts,
year was "Sail Away with Books". This proved very popular with the Year 6 girls who used food as their medium to depict many of the books short listed for the Children's Book of the Year award. In fact
every girl in the Junior School was
encouraged to enter a competition to creatively interpret, either the theme, or one of their favourite books. They were also given the opportunity to vote for the Young Australian Best Book of the year Award (YABBA). This award is based
entirely on what children see as the best
book they have read during the year. On the Wednesday of Book Week the Junior School had a special assembly and parade. Each girl dressed for the day as a well
known book character; the variety and inventiveness displayed was a credit to all. Some girls found it difficult to recognise their teachers who also entered into the
spirit of things by dressing up.
as did the interest and concern she showed
A "Books for Kenya" stall held on that day
for us, not just as pupils in general, but as individuals of various backgrounds,
was a great success. Each girI was asked to
character and potential.' When she retired from teaching she occupied her time with her voluminous
donate a book she no longer needed and then to buy a book. Mrs. Angelatos, mother of Veronica in Year 4, donated some beautiful handmade bookmarks and
correspondence, keeping in touch with her former pupils. Much of her time was spent
decorated pencils to add to the stall. The proceeds, $512, were presented to Sr Marie
dressmaking for young Aborigines of the Loreto missions in Broome and Derby. She also made baby frocks, literally by the hundred, for distribution by St. Vincent De Paul Society to the poor in Melbourne. A
Kelly to buy books for the children she will be teaching in Kenya.
letter was received from the Fitzroy
THE PRAYER ROOM
conference of the Society which read: 'Sister Dolorosa must be rewarded for the joy she gave to the little children around Fitzroy
HISTORY FACULTY
The nurturing of faith is central in a Catholic school community and is implicit in
with all those Christmas Stockings she made
a Loreto education. Children should be
DEVELOPMENT
CO-ORDINATOR
for them each year. We at the conference will long remember her.'
exposed to a variety of experiences that will develop a communication with God and in
-ROBERT DERNELLEY
In 1985 there was a brief article from the
All who knew her, both as pupils and
due course establish a relationship with
History Faculty in the School Magazine.
friends, will remember her with the same
their God - a personal God.
In terms of teaching and learning we live in
Contained in that article was a reference to
affection and lasting gratitude.
very exciting times. The amount of change
history as myth-making. It raised some eye
In the early hours of the morning before she
It was with inspiration from Sr Maria that we decided to create a special place of
and the rapidity with which it is taking place impose great strains on staff who must
brows: Surely history and myth are
died, her zest for life and awareness of
"Quiet" in the Junior School. A committee
incompatible bed-fellows! Perhaps the
others was still evident. Although she was in
was formed and we looked at ways in which
acquire new information and skills at an
perplexity lies in the understanding of the
severe pain, when the doctor arrived, Sister
we could transform the old art studio into a
unprecedented rate. Thus teachers must
word 'myth'. The Year 7 girls would have
Dolorosa greeted her with: "That's a nice
have time to attend in-service courses and
plenty to say about the gods and goddesses
jumper. Did you knit it yourself?"
place of prayer. New carpet and a coat of paint were first on the list. Next, thanks to
most importantly they must have the
of Mount Olympus if asked about Greek
opportunity to sit down together to discuss
mythology and for most of us this is exactly
issues and plan ways of putting ideas into
what springs to mind when one thinks of
practice.
myth. In the 20th Century, anthropologists
Teachers at Mandeville are encouraged to attend seminars, workshops and conferences and to share their experiences with other
have asked new questions about the role of
members of staff.
Myths define culture. They articulate in
This year various members of staff have attended in-service activities. Some of the
narrative form the origins of things and the beliefs and values of the culture. They
programmes have dealt with the use of
encapsulate the way the culture sees and
computers in time-tabling, faith
thinks about itself. As one anthropologist
development, the new senior physics syllabus, field work in geography, aboriginal culture and computers in education. One
has suggested, myths reveal self to self.
issue, which the whole staff has considered,
what is acceptable or unacceptable. Myths
is "Frameworks't a comprehensive set of curriculum guidelines currently being released by,the Ministry of Education. Several faculty co-ordinators and the Director of Studies have been to briefing sessions on aspects of "Frameworks" and on the first day of Term 4 the combined JuniorSenior School staff devoted a day to examining its implications for our
are powerful because, beneath their surface
PROFESSIONAL
- RUSSELL STAIFF
myth in any specified culture. Their investigations are illuminating.
Myths can also structure a culture by defining its moral boundaries, suggesting
narrative, there is a force which taps into the
the Mothers' Association, curtains were
BIRTHS Congratulations to the following people on the birth of their daughters: Cathy Mitchell (Gleisner) Christine Lucas (Curley) Patricia Parry (Kearney) Jane Barrington (Schlesinger) Kevin & Glenda Smith
MARRIAGES
DEATHS
implement desirable improvements in our
myth its potency.
CREDITS
curriculum.
In the late 20th Century, history does all of these things and thus has become what myth was, and is, to pre-technological cultures. And just as myths changed and evolved with the experiences of each
Address: "The Mandevillian"
ordinators and other senior members of staff
will hold a two-day residential workshop at
St. Mary's College at Melbourne University. They will consider issues of curriculum planning and strategies for improvement.
successive generation so do we alter the
helped create a special atmosphere. The girls are at liberty to take some time out of their hectic day and "be still" in mind and
body in the prayer room. Class groups have taken advantage of this room for quiet
discussions, for prayer, for Reconciliation and one group has celebrated a class Mass. All this has encouraged the girls to identify
strongly with the prayer room and hopefully with prayer itself. ,
Kathy Garretty to Michael Clarkson
followed by various initiatives to define and
Toward the end of the year the faculty co-
classes to clean and decorate the room, have
Dominique Phipps to Andrew Smart
deeper spiritual and psychological needs of a society. They tell the stories of the divinities and of the past and in doing so they tell the story of the culture itself so that its members might identify with what they have inherited. The process of bonding to one's culture thus occurs. The myth imbeds itself in the receiver so that myth and culture become fused. This is what gives the
curriculum. This examination will be
added. A few pot plants and a roster of
Sincere sympathy to the Families and Friends of :
John Moloney, father of Nicole, husband of
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME The Sacramental Programme for Years 3 and 4 is well under way. Year 4 girls first
Virginia.
celebrated Reconciliation towards the end of
Nicki Johnson, wife of Dr. Peter Johnson,
third term and Year 3 will receive their First
sister-in-law of Barbara, Ann and Catherine.
John D'Cruz, father of Valerie and Vivienne
Communion on 25 October. Parents are
kept in touch with topics being covered in the programme through information sheets sent home on a regular basis. Year 3 parents attend a home meeting with their daughters.
10 Mandeville Crescent
At this meeting the girls share the work
Toorak VIC 3142
they have been doing with their parents.
Editorial Committee:
The meeting also provides the ideal
Editor: Gabrielle McKinnon
opportunity for parents to exchange
Community: Sister Carolyn McSwiney Senior School: Anne Muirhead
thoughts and ideas.
story of our past as we actively intervene in the historical process. By selecting anew or
Junior School: Sue McKernan
The whole Junior School teels a keen
involvement, as each class adopts two or
come to the school to conduct a course in
Mothers' Association: Mary Sheehan
re-selecting that which exists, we continually
Past Pupils' Association: Julienne Scarff and
three of the First Communicants by praying
managing innovation based upon the
change what is to be told or affirmed and in
Jane Nathan
for them and following their preparation.
Japanese Quality Circle model.
so doing we will also often let go parts of the past which will disappear into oblivion. The process is never complete; the narrative is always in a state of being written. History is not an objective science. It is, rather, a story to be told: the greatest story on earth.
Special thanks to the Past Pupils' Association,
Each class will also prepare a poster for the
the Mothers' Association and the Fathers'
church on that special day.
In early 1988 a group of consultants will
Staff development is an important aspect of school life since the quality of the education which the students receive is directly dependent upon the quality of the staff who deliver it.
Association, which have offered generous financial support to this issue. Typesetting: The Type Gallery Printing: Vital Instant Print
To further develop the interaction between Senior and Junior Schools the girls in Year 7 Blue have also taken a special interest in the First Communion class.