From our Head of Primary

To summarise the year that was 2021, I want to take you back to the beginning. Picture this… it is a beautiful, chilly morning and a sea of blue, mango and green moves en masse down to the Veronica Reid Oval for the Primary School Cross Country Carnival. The House Leaders have prepared their Houses well, as rousing war cries and House Spirit seem to reach unimaginable heights. The races begin and nearly every girl takes part in an effort to win points for their House. Before we know it, it’s time for the much-anticipated 3-kilometre race, which is no mean feat. Gabi Connell, one of the Clare House Leaders, is second across the line and what unfolds next is remarkable. Back on the sidelines cheering on her House, she notices that one of her Clare Bears is struggling to finish the race. Gabi runs up to her and runs beside her throughout the rest of the race to the finish line. What we saw on that day (and indeed what we saw on so many occasions this year at camp and excursions, on sporting fields, in the classroom, on Zoom and beyond) was an example of our Loreto values in action. Building relationships – creating community and connection to one another – is the hallmark of a Loreto education. This proved particularly important in 2021. Again and again this year, our community showed its impressive ability to face doubt, instability, and the unfamiliar head-on, reframing them as opportunities to grow, develop in confidence and look beyond their own lives to inspire and assist others.

As we were caring for the wellbeing of the girls during remote learning throughout Term 3 and the start of Term 4, opportunities to be together virtually gave rise to some amazing community events. The Loreto Normanhurst Community Olympics saw the girls planking up a storm and taking part in challenges to win medals for their House. The Tour de Loreto saw all members of the family pounding the pavement to cover the distance of an imagined 1600-kilometre journey to Loreto Kirribilli, Loreto Toorak and then back home to Loreto Normanhurst.

Nevertheless, students and teachers alike yearned for that sense of community, so returning to school in Week 4 of Term 4 was welcomed with much happiness. Our girls demonstrated grit and enthusiasm in throwing themselves back into the rhythm of school, putting themselves forward at the Principal’s Spelling Bee, the Science Fair and the Eminence Project. They showcased their skill, inspiration and curiosity during our Public Speaking competition, addressing an audience on the topics of beauty, courage, justice, truth and quality. Given what we have overcome this year, having the courage to delve into the unknown and to sit with uncertainty has equipped the girls with resilience and optimism. It truly was a Year of Felicity!

“Building relationships – creating community and connection to one another – is the hallmark of a Loreto education.”

Mrs Maryanne Dwyer Head of Primary

Dear Mrs Dwyer, Wow! The past two years were so strange, uncertain and exciting and I’m so pleased to have spent them at Loreto Primary. If someone was to interview me today, and ask, “What attributes have had the most value inside you, over the last few years?”, I would quickly respond with Verity and Felicity. I didn’t know what either word meant three years ago, but they now are a large aspect in the way I think and act. Honestly, I’m pleased to have experienced the pandemic of Covid-19. I have developed so much self-drive, confidence, independence, maturity, responsibility and resilience through online learning, and I know these are significant life skills I will need for high school. At the beginning of Year 5, my main goal was to start new friendships. With the help of teachers and other girls, my goal was achieved. Every person I have met at Loreto has helped me shape the way I am. It is like the Loreto community has helped me crack my glow stick, so I can glow. It was an honour to have had that rare and incredible experience of being a school leader of Loreto Primary. I absolutely loved offering help to students and staff as it just filled me with courage, elation and a buzzing feeling of goodness. Speaking at the Music Festival was a standout in my leadership role as I can remember the bravery I felt after I had finished talking. So, what I will take out of these magical past two years is that you need to value and appreciate every moment because the second the final 3 o’clock bell goes, it will seem like Year 5 Orientation was just a few days ago. I’ve learnt to take and make the most of every opportunity, and that my attitude towards everything plays a part in my personality and feelings. I’ve learnt that I do truly have a love for learning, as I won’t go to sleep without understanding how fractions work into decimals or how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate. Loreto Primary has proved to me that everyone doesn’t have to be good at something to do it; the important part is attempting and participating with spirit and persistence. I have noted that leadership isn’t about one person leading others, it is about everyone leading one another with encouragement and compassion. I acknowledged that every friendship can impact your future and grow you as a person. And finally, most importantly, no matter what situation you are in, good or bad, there is always someone to help hold your head up and guide you. I’m no mind reader, but I see that the skills, friendships, knowledge and experiences I have received from Loreto Primary will easily contribute to my future. Yours Sincerely, Portia Rowland-Stefanic “It is like the Loreto community has helped me crack my glow stick, so I can glow.”