From our Communications/SRC Captain

t is when students from all year groups are empowered with the confidence to speak up I that the inclusive and evolving nature of a school is made evident. This is why being the Communications/SRC Captain for 2021 was especially rewarding. The SRC worked extremely hard this year to continue to be the medium through which all students can voice their ideas, with the aim of facilitating community spirit. 2021 was made challenging by restrictions and regulations due to the pandemic, which heavily altered some traditional community events that had existed even prior to me starting high school. However, a positive outcome that emerged from such parameters was the power of tradition. Even among changes to the nature of long-running events, this sense of tradition still had the ability to unite a community and instigate a spirit among both staff and students. This was particularly noted during our annual Christmas Cup, which strengthened the relationship between students and teachers at Loreto through a healthy competition. While the format had changed it was nonetheless a memorable occasion. Furthermore, the Year 7 & 12 Trivia Night was another highlight that illuminated the strength of Loreto’s buddy system which is founded on genuine relationships between the senior and junior girls. With the theme being ‘Dynamic Duos,’ it was great to see everyone get creative, dress up and enjoy a wonderful night of trivia and games. It is mainly from these events that I came to learn the paradoxical nature of being SRC Captain: while it is essential to be fully prepared and organised with a structured plan, one also has to be highly adaptable on the day. Inevitably, changes will occur but undoubtedly these create some of the best memories. Another strength of the vertical SRC system is that it serves as a platform through which important messages can be spread to the whole community. This was certainly the case during SuperGirl Week. Every girl was given a pink ribbon to wear throughout the week. The SRC focused on recognising the influential women at Loreto as well as communicating the notion that female empowerment can only be truly achieved when we assist other girls who cannot access the same privileges that we have. On behalf of the SRC, I would again like to thank the four women who were nominated and showcased during the week for their efforts in empowering all women in our Loreto community and beyond: Mrs Phillipa Dowers (Mathematics Teacher), Mrs Kristie Greville (Sports Department), Annabelle Kingston (Year 12) & Charlotte Forwood (Year 12). It is without hesitation that I express my gratitude to the entire Loreto community for supporting the efforts to promote student voice and community spirit. Our community has made the past year’s experience truly rewarding. The greatest lessons that this role has taught me are to have confidence, be brave, show leadership in times of uncertainty and enjoy the little moments; these are qualities that will certainly transcend beyond life at Loreto and for that I am incredibly thankful.

Annika Shankar Communications/SRC Captain

“Never be afraid to be the person leading the charge. If you see something wrong or something that needs attention, don’t wait for someone else to act.”

Charlotte Forwood

“An empowered woman slowly shifts their world to be a better place for all.”

Annabelle Kingston

“An empowered woman is set on what she wants to achieve, and she is focused. She is a force to be reckoned with!”

“I often talk to my students about being brave. Be open to what you can achieve, there is no limit to your success.”

Mrs Kirstie Greville

Mrs Phillipa Dowers