Primary Snapshot

AT THE END OF TERM 4, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WATCHING OUR YEAR 6 STUDENTS PRESENT CLEVER BIOGRAPHICAL RIDDLES SUMMARISING RESEARCH THEY HAD DONE ABOUT A ‘WOMAN OF EMINENCE.’

With poise, confidence and a sense of humour, the girls conveyed to their classmates the stories of female figures who have made significant contributions to science, sport, the Arts and social justice. We encountered Jane Goodall, Malala Yousafzai, Amelia Earhart and even a particular literary favourite of mine, Jane Austen.

These presentations all but coincided with the Year 6 Graduation, our Final Assembly and our Primary Awards Ceremony. As we celebrated the year and reflected on the growth, achievements and contributions of our students to the Primary School, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between our girls and these eminent women. They share many similar qualities, including resilience, confidence, compassion, curiosity, enthusiasm, and, most notably, an incredible sense of what it is to be a leader. Indeed, at several points throughout 2021 I have been struck by the mature leadership of our girls. They proved their mettle as advocates and educators during the Public Speaking competition and our many social justice initiatives including Project Compassion. They showcased their endurance and teamwork in our LN Community Olympics challenges, Tour de Loreto challenge and our Swimming and Cross Country carnivals. They shared their commitment to community-building, family and friends at the Fathers’ Day Bake-Off, school camps and every day in our physical and virtual classrooms, where they worked collaboratively and innovatively.

Our girls see models of strong female leadership not just in women of fame and history, but also in each other. They build each other up and have an acute awareness of the capacity and responsibility of girls to enact change in our world and to support each other. As one student said in her Year 6 leadership pledge at the start of 2021, “I strive to always be a role model in the Primary School. I promise to always display good manners, initiative, integrity, and pride. I promise to make fair decisions and never be a barrier to anyone.” Another student told me in a campfire conversation at our Great Aussie Bush camp that her parents wanted her to come to Loreto so that she can work hard and have choices and also learn how to become a strong lady. She told me that there are many types of ladies that you can become; she would like to be a lady who is confident and helps others.

I cannot wait to witness the young ladies our Primary students will grow into. I am certain that there are future women of eminence in Year 5 and 6.

I leave you with an excerpt written by some of our Primary leaders about the Loreto Justice Network webinar they attended to mark the UN Day of the Girl. The full article was published in the Loreto Networker, and is a glimpse of the measure, intelligence and awareness of others our students demonstrate every day in Primary.

MRS MARYANNE DWYER

HEAD OF PRIMARY

YOUNG WOMEN OF EMINENCE

DAY OF THE GIRL

We came together as followers of Mary Ward to learn about the injustices that girls in today’s world face. Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) has worked tirelessly with dedication and effort to improve the lives and futures of girls all over the world.

We were so shocked and deeply devastated at the troubles women across the world go through, but were even more surprised about what the younger girls face. It was truly upsetting to hear the stories about what young girls go through during their lifetime from the true words of individual survivors.

It is so hard to hear about the diligent working girls in the brick fields of India. It’s just not right that young girls spend hours working because their families are desperate. We are so lucky we can enjoy life and our valuable childhood without having the burden of hard work to pay for our survival. In Timor Leste, girls spend hours walking to school over the mountains. They only spend half the day at school because of the challenge of not having quick transport. We felt very guilty as we are so fortunate in Australia and we reflected on how important it is to appreciate the smaller things. We wish we could do more to help these disadvantaged and marginalised girls.

Amelia Moyes, Annie Goodall, Lara Vuckovic & Portia Rowland-Stefanic, Year 6 Students