Year 5 Q and A with Father Ramesh 

Lucy, Millie, Lucinda and Charlie, Year 5 

This week Year 5 welcomed Father Ramesh to the Primary School. We asked him to come and talk to us about the 7 Sacraments, which are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Marriage and Holy Orders.  

Father Ramesh also talked about his own journey of becoming a priest, as well as answering many of our questions. He answered questions such as why he decided to become a priest, the hardest and best part of his job, what he does during the day when he isn’t saying mass, and what it was like when he was a deacon. He also showed us special photos of when he was ordained which was quite different as it was during COVID. We especially enjoyed asking him what it was like to hear confession from people in difficult situations, like if they were in prison.  He also told us that there used to be nuns that made the communion hosts in Australia, now you can order it online! 

We thank Father Ramesh deeply for taking time out of his day to talk to us.  

Year 5 Leadership Event

Claire Cabuil And Alannah Mouawad 5S

The Leadership Event was a way for students of Year 5 at all Loreto schools across Australia to share what we think leadership is about. Year 5 got to hear from Year 11/12 leaders, who shared what they believe makes a good leader and all the important pieces of a puzzle you need to lead, including kindness, courage, organisation, and not being afraid to ask for help.

We joined Loreto Toorak on Teams and exchanged facts about our schools which helped us to see what other schools are like, such as the fact that Loreto Toorak starts in Kindergarten and goes all the way to Year Twelve! We got to share our thoughts on what makes a good leader. All of this was very entertaining and fun as we found out out what other people thought.

We learnt so much and can’t wait to be leaders next year. Many thanks to Miss Speter and all the staff who helped to organise this event for us.

Year 5 Orientation Day 2023 

Nerves and excitement filled the air as we welcomed our new Primary students for 2023. 

There was a buzz throughout the morning as our incoming Loreto girls got to know their buddies in a variety of icebreaker games. After participating in a Passport Activity which took them on a tour around the school, they were shocked and amazed with how big Loreto is and what we have to offer.  

A huge thank you to Mr David Brock, Mrs Emily Wood and their team for organising a variety of sporting activities for the girls in the afternoon.  

Here what some of our girls had to say: 

I think Orientation Day was very exciting as we got to meet new people even if they weren’t our buddy. After being pen pals with my buddy for the last few weeks, it was great to finally meet her and welcome her to Loreto (Lucy Fryer, 5R). 

I liked that we got to meet our buddy, spend time with them and get to know them so they wouldn’t feel as uncomfortable and nervous next year (Eve Ruming, 5R). 

I enjoyed having the time to spend and build a relationship with my buddy. I liked getting to know a bit more about my buddy and her likes/dislikes (Charlotte Littleford, 5P) 

I enjoyed doing the activities and getting to know our buddies. I enjoyed doing the Passport Activity and getting to show them around the high school (Emily Littleford, 5P). 

Social Justice News

This week, Emma Taylor (Y7), Annabel Ing (Y7), Zoe O’Neil (Y9) and Eloise Whitfield (Y6) had the great honour and privilege to attend Caritas’ Women for the World Luncheon. They were fortunate enough to hear from Kirsty Robertson, the CEO for Caritas Australia, who shared stories of the work that Caritas engages in, in countries such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands. To have the opportunity to hear of the impact that our small acts of community service, fundraising and awareness raising can have, was an invaluable experience for the students in attendance.

Meanwhile back at school, the remainder of our students, heard from Magdalene. Magdalene, is a sports journalist, who came to Australia seeking asylum in 2018 after facing danger and death threats because of her activism in support of human rights back in her home country of Sierra Leone. Magdalene was able to make Australia her home, with the support of Catholic organisations, such as the Jesuit Refugee Services. Students heard firsthand how their generosity and acts of justice, with events such as the Term 3 Food Drive and the Lasagnes with Love, can really change a life and provide much needed support for those in need.

It is with this in mind, of “small acts, big impacts”, that I would like to continue to encourage all families and students to get behind the annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal and continue to bring in donations for the Christmas Hampers. Students can drop off donations at the Primary School Reception or their Head of House. Please see the list of items students are encouraged to donate:

Justice Market

This year, every second Tuesday at lunch, a small group of students in Years 5 and 6 have been working to create real tangible acts of justice. Term 3 saw the introduction of collection bins for recycling poppers and disposable drink bottles for the Return and Earn program running in the Boarding school. This term, the Justice Crew have suggested a way to recycle, but also support those in need, by organising a Justice Market.

Students in Years 5 and 6 are encouraged to donate pre-loved items to sell at the Justice Market. Items such as books, toys, sporting equipment, board games and accessories are all welcome. All items can be purchased for as little as $1. The money raised will be used to purchase gift vouchers to be included in the Vinnies Christmas Hampers. These gift vouchers can help families buy fresh produce in the lead up to Christmas.

Please encourage your daughter to donate pre-loved items that are in good condition. Donated items can be dropped off at Ms Jennifer Ball’s classroom. We look forward to the Justice Market held from 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm at the Teresa Ball Primary School on the 15th of November. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Ms Ball at jball@loretonh.nsw.edu.au or Mrs Wells at jwells@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

Celebration of Student Growth 

Every fortnight at our Primary School Assembly, girls are recognised and celebrated for their growth in the areas of Approach to Learning, displaying a Growth Mindset, displaying the value of Freedom, House Spirit and Miss Manners. Congratulations to the following girls: 

5P 

Positive Approach to Learning: Skye Dixon, Kayla Liu 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Elizabeth Peng 

For showing excellent House Spirit:  Claire Morrow 

5R 

Positive Approach to Learning:  Georgie Jenkins 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Lucy Fryer, April Emery 

Displaying the value of Freedom: Mikayla Zammit   

5S 

Positive Approach to Learning:  Ella Klumper 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Emma Lilley, Alannah Mouawad 

Displaying the value of Freedom: Stephanie Cuthbert 

6B 

Positive Approach to Learning: Abigail Bartlett 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Matilda Dykes, Annabel Taylor 

Displaying the value of Freedom: Kate Huang  

6J 

Positive Approach to Learning: Anna Gao 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Lauren Verrall 

Displaying the value of Freedom: Sophia Ziolkowski 

For showing excellent House Spirit: Scarlett Reisch 

6S 

For showing excellent House Spirit: Isabella Cao, Alexandra Klubis 

Displaying a Growth Mindset: Gabrielle Arentz 

Displaying the value of Freedom: Eloise Moore 

Miss Manners: Annie Sheppard 

Birthdays 

Hip, hip, hooray and happy birthday to the following girls. We hope you had a wonderful day! 

Skye, Eva, Amy, Jamie, Isabel, Maybel, Tayla, Cassidy, Elena, Hannah and Xiangyi.

Dates for the Diary