On Wednesday 18 August, all students and staff put their learning tools down to engage in our IN-SPIRO Pop-Up Wellbeing Day. The idea was to provide our community a circuit-breaker during remote learning and, as the Latin roots of 'inspiro' suggest, a chance to breathe and be mindful. 

The initiative was led by our Pastoral team and built on the experience of Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak, who identified wellbeing days as best practice during Melbourne's extended lockdown period. Years 5-11 students and staff were invited to complete a range of suggested activities in their -IN-SPIRO pack, posting photos and artworks to FACE Online. The activities were grouped in the themes of 'creative, active, grateful, inspired, helpful, artistic and thoughtful' depending on how students felt they wanted to use the day.

Our students embraced the day's activities with openness, creativity and joy. There was lots of dog-walking, baking, reading, reflecting, gardening, knitting and art-making! Please enjoy these excerpts from the reflections of some Primary students:

I really enjoyed having a day where I got do things I liked and to spend it with my family. I think my two favourite activities were hiding notes for others to find and sitting watching the clouds while finger-knitting. I loved how slow the day was and I didn’t feel rushed at all, I felt like I got do what I liked at the speed I liked.

Katie, Year 6

Today on IN-SPIRO day I had a lot of fun, just taking care of myself. To take time to breathe and slow down, I did some stretching. I experienced God by going on a walk with my mum and appreciating the nature... During IN-SPIRO day, it made me focus more and move into a positive mindset.

Amy, Year 5

I was trying to be thoughtful and grateful. When I wrote my messages for my family to find, I wrote down all the things I loved about them and why I was grateful to have them in my life. It really helped me understand further how much my family does for me and how much they love and care for me.

Inayah, Year 5

Year 12 will enjoy their IN-SPIRO Day this week following the completion of HSC Trial exams. 

Last week, Pastoral staff launched a new wellbeing program built on the foundations laid on our Wellbeing Day. 'Active Body, Calm Mind, Connected Spirit' is a holistic wellbeing initiative with a range of activities tailored to supporting Loreto students and their health during remote learning. As part of the program, students are invited to join yoga and fitness classes, meditation sessions, mindfulness drumming, creative activities and fun group activities outside class time and during Tutor Group.