Important Reminders

Uniform Shop Trading Hours

The last day of trade for the Uniform Shop is Thursday, 21 September.
However, the Uniform Shop will be open for two days of trading over the September/October school holidays:

• Monday, 25 September - 9:30am to 3:30pm
• Friday, 6 October – 9:30am to 3:30pm

Our online ordering services will be available over the holidays as usual. This is a great way to purchase any Summer uniform items that might need updating and be ready for collection when school resumes in Term Four. It is available 24/7 at www.flexischools.com.au.

Parking on nature strips or footpaths

Council have recently advised that it is illegal to park on the grass verge on Mount Pleasant Avenue. All vehicles must be parked parallel and as close as possible to the kerb.

Please see information attached here on the correct way to park.

A community update from Loreto Normanhurst

Loreto Normanhurst is moving forward with the construction of a new Boarding School. The new Boarding School will deliver student accommodation, flexible communal spaces, updated accommodation for boarding staff and will reflect the school’s vision to create a modern, accessible and sustainable home for boarding students.

Click here to read more.

Year 5 Science Fair

The Science Fair was an exciting opportunity for Year 5 to showcase their knowledge on a specific topic they had researched thoroughly and to teach their parents and peers about their chosen animal. It was held on Tuesday, 5 September in the Learning Common in the Teresa Ball Primary Centre.

The fair was a wonderful success with many different dioramas constructed out of many different materials. There were a lot of different Australian animals selected by Year 5 which consisted of reptiles, mammals, and marsupials. Year 5 had a fun experience researching their animal and learnt a lot of their creature’s adaptations. The teachers also taught them how to make their text interesting. The whole project was to learn about animal adaptations combined with how to write an information report. The adaptations Year 5 learnt about were structural, behavioural, and physiological. They were bursting with knowledge to share with the guests invited who were also thirsty to learn about all the knowledge of the animals. Audrey Zhang 5R

Leaders at Parliament House Morning Tea

Last Thursday, we went to the NSW Parliament House for morning tea, a tour of the chambers and to receive certificates of appreciation for being the Loreto Normanhurst Primary School Leaders. In total there were 24 other schools which are based in our local area of Wahroonga. Once we got there, we got our name tags and started talking with other school leaders. It was especially interesting to have a chat with the other school’s leaders and see where they came from and realise how similar we all are.

At 9:30, all the leaders received a tour around Parliament House while our parents went on their tour. We went to both the Assembly and Council Chambers while learning a lot about passing a bill and how the Chambers are run. After the tour, we had some morning tea which was delicious. This consisted of cakes, sandwiches and even sushi! Once we had our morning tea, the member of Wahroonga, Alister Henskens, handed out the certificates of appreciation to all the school leaders. Whilst we got the certificates, we took a photo with Mr Henskens. Overall, we had an exciting, eventful experience at Parliament. Stephanie Cuthbert and Amelia Visevic

Opera Australia Performance

"Opera Australia was here at our school on Wednesday, 6 September. The performance included four people playing different characters and the pianist (who has been playing for over 40 years!). The setting was filled with cacti and oranges everywhere! The whole story was based on the Three Billy Goats Gruff, where the billy goats had to cross the bridge to get to the circus. The three billy goats were called Diego, Ferdinand, and Isabella. There was also a troll and they each had to impress the troll to get past. Diego, who was the youngest goat, did some amazing magic tricks during the show, including making an orange float with his hands, not a string. There was also a rope that could change colour whenever you pulled it up and down. As soon as the performers started singing, it shocked all of us to see how loud their voices were! If we were to choose which costume was the craziest, we would definitely choose the troll costume. The show lasted for around an hour and thirty minutes and at the end of the show, we were able to ask some curious and creative questions. Overall, the show was amazing and the best one ever!" Sabrina Pan and Yolanda Yin, 5S

"Opera Australia came to visit us in Week 8, on Wednesday, 6 September. Opera Australia presented a play based on the Three Billy Goats Gruff. It was about a kid (baby goat) called El Kid. El Kid had a sister and a brother who they despised as he was only a “silly little goat” to them. One day, his family went to a festival, but was stopped on the way there by a troll under the bridge. They needed to cross to get to the other side. El Kid’s brother and sister were terrified until El Kid ended up saving them with his ‘magic’ which was him squeezing water from an orange/rock because the troll thought he was magical and ran away petrified.

I really enjoyed the part where the performers interacted with the crowd, and I also enjoyed the part where they were getting ready for the festival and were saying how they were to be the king or queen at the festival because they were dressed in fantasy style costumes. I thought the fact that they managed to fit a lesson into the story was really smart and I found the lesson to be that you should always treat people right because they will always come back and help you with something you need." Millie Monfries and Mina Zhang, 6J

Werrington Public School Visit

On Monday, 11 September, a group of Year 5 and 6 students travelled to Werrington Public School to teach the students about robotics. When we arrived, we were jumping up and down with excitement and nervousness. We walked in and met the Deputy Principal who was very kind. When the classes came into the hall, we could feel the excitement throughout the room. Then, the Werrington students got split into 2 groups.

The Loreto students were split into three stations to teach: the Makey Makey kits, the Sphero Robots, and the Ozobots. Alice, Cleo, and I were in charge of the Ozobot group. We instructed each group to make and create a story and program their ozobot to travel along and make movements that matched their story. The kids came up with great exciting stories. Afterwards, we rotated around the groups and found everything exciting. It was much easier to teach the second group because we learnt from our mistakes the first time. For the second group, the Makey Makey kits, we explained the instructions straight away and had so much fun making different photos and different voice recordings. In the Sphero group they taught each group colours in a different language like French and Italian and programmed the ball to race to the different colour. We joined our new Werrington Public School friends for recess and played with them; all the kids at the school were very kind and caring and had lots of questions about our school.

I also would like to thank Miss Perkins, Ms Bryce, Ms Sparks and other teachers that worked behind the scenes.

We as the students will remember this moment for a lifetime, it was super special, and I will never forget what we have learnt! Ellie and Sienna, Year 6

IGSA Primary Gala Debating Day

Mrs Bernadette O'Dwyer 

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who enjoyed a day of debating at St Ignatius College, Riverview for the IGSA Debating Gala Day. It was a great day and students enjoyed the opportunity to refine their skills and meet with other debaters.

Last Friday, the Year 6 debaters were given the opportunity to go to St Ignatius Riverview. We were split into two teams and debated the topics of “All schools should have a student-maintained vegetable garden” and “Team sports are better than individual sports.” We received great feedback that we will take on for our future debates. Debating was fun and we got to meet new people at recess and lunch as we played handball with other schools. This was a great experience for us as we got to try something new with our friends at a challenging level.

Eliana Foote, Julia Foong and Sera Purtell, Year 6

Ethics Olympiad Competition

Mrs Bernadette O'Dwyer

Congratulations to our Primary Ethics Team who did exceptionally well! Red Team was awarded Gold Medal Winners and the Light Brown team were placed 4th and received an Honourable Mentions from the Judges.

All team members were wonderful ambassadors of Loreto Normanhurst. Such great results for their first year in the competition.

The day was tightly packed with three heats and six rounds. There were six cases with three questions each, but we didn’t know what the judge would pick. Each heat was two rounds, each round was roughly twenty-five minutes and there were lunch and recess breaks between each heat. All of the cases were really relatable, and we had lots of fun competing against the different schools across the world. It was an unforgettable experience.

We really enjoyed how we all worked together to help each other throughout the day and whenever someone was stumbling on a word or forgot what to say, our team was there to support and help us. We also had a very strong and constructed layout for when we were to speak so everyone was very respectful of each other when we were speaking which we really appreciated.

I personally enjoyed having the first role as I was introducing whatever the next speakers were going to be presenting - Adhithi.

I really loved looking at the cases from different perspectives and coming up with different ideas to try and outthink the other team - Murphy.

Adhithi, Charlotte and Murphy

Unlock success with EXTDAY@LN

Is your daughter in Year 5-8? Are you searching for the perfect after-school solution for your daughter that combines academic support, family flexibility, socialising, and connection building? Look no further!

• Homework Help: Our dedicated team of educators is here to assist with homework, assisting our students to achieve their full potential.
• Socialising and Connection Building: At EXTDAY, we believe in fostering and building strong connections. Your daughter will have the opportunity to interact with peers, helping them develop essential social skills and lifelong friendships.
• Four Nights a Week: We're available four nights a week during term time, offering you the flexibility you need to balance work and family life.
• Extended Hours: We understand that work schedules can be demanding. That's why our program allows students to stay until as late as 8:00pm, ensuring they have a safe and supervised environment.
• Dining Delights: All students who attend EXTDAY@LN will enjoy a delicious afternoon tea and dinner in our welcoming boarders' dining room. It's a time for nourishment and conversation, making the evening even more enjoyable.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enrich your daughter's life both academically and socially. Join our EXTDAY@LN today and watch your child flourish!

Spaces are limited, so enrol now and provide your daughter with the perfect blend of support, flexibility, and connection. Contact us today to secure your child's place and set them on the path to success!

Click here to view the flyer.

Click here to see the FAQs.

Sport News

Mr David Brock | Head of Sport

Rugby 7’s

Well done to Mia Hills, Year 5 who had a great time representing NSW CIS at the PSSA Rugby 7’s Championships last week.

CIS Athletics

Congratulations and good luck to Juliet Carpenter, Year 5, Patricia Boland, Year 9, Bella Kachel, Year 12, Eliza Matthews, Year 10 and Eliza English, Year 10 who have been selected to represent IGSA at the CIS Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, 19 September at Sydney Olympic Park.

Loreto Normanhurst Swimming

Join the Loreto Normanhurst Swimming specialised Swim Squad Training Program!

Current students will receive 20% off the program fees.

We offer an all year round, 6 days a week, squad program for Loreto Normanhurst students and both male and female swimmers from the local community. Swimmers are welcome to join at any time throughout the year.

Our squad program offers options for swimmers at all levels and is aimed to support each swimmer’s development.

Choose from Development Stream with a focus on technique and stroke development, Competitive Stream for swimmers who aim to compete, and the Fitness Stream for those seeking to maintain fitness without competing.

Click here to find out more.

Mary Ward Justice Forum - Save the Date!

Loreto Normanhurst presents: Dignity unveiled: Exploring justice as the essence of every individual

Tuesday, 24 October

5:30pm - 7:30pm

The Mary Ward Justice Forum is an annual collaboration between Loreto Normanhurst and Loreto Kirribilli exploring and promoting issues of justice in line with the values and teachings of Mary Ward and the Loreto Sisters.

The inherent dignity of each individual is a fundamental principle that underscores the essence of human rights and justice. In this thought-provoking forum, we will delve into this profound concept looking in our own backyard and the need for increased rights for all.

Hear from three distinguished guest speakers, Sister Jwan Kada, Educator and Social Justice Advocate; Richard Korkor, Chaplain at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Parklea Prison; and Catherine Knox, Chair of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter. The evening will be facilitated by Emma Simkin, Central Coast ABC Radio presenter and host (Class of '90), who will guide us through an exploration of this multifaceted topic, offering valuable insights from different perspectives and shedding light on the often marginalised of society – those in prison, women and children.

Parent Association Updates

PAL Trivia Night - Movie Magic!

Saturday, 28 October

6:30pm

Gymnasium

PAL would like to warmly invite all parents to join them in a fun filled evening of Trivia!

Dress up as your favourite movie character or simply decorate your table. A great way to get together and socialise! This function will be a BYO, so chat amongst your friends & bring along with you some delicious goodies. Big prizes to be won with a raffle being drawn on the evening! Who will be crowned the winner?!

We look forward to having you join us!

Click here for the invitation.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Expressions of interest for the 2024 Spring Fair Committee & 2024 PAL Executive Committee

Planning for 2024!

The PAL Committee are at present planning for 2024. PAL at Loreto is open to all parents and carers and your level of involvement can vary from attending and or assisting at PAL events, becoming a Year Parent Representative, joining one of the Sub Committees or even becoming a member of the PAL Executive Committee. Everyone is welcome to contribute in any way they can, and your contribution is always truly valued. We continue to support Loreto by providing additional funds for important programs and initiatives and we remain committed to keeping our community connected.

Our main event for 2024 is the Spring Fair which is held in Term 4. The success of the Spring Fair is reliant on the energy and goodwill of the whole parent community. PAL are looking for volunteers to join the 2024 Spring Fair Committee. All volunteers are welcome. If you wish to be involved, please reply to pal@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

If you have any questions about the Parent Association or the Spring Fair and getting involved, please contact Kath Walton, PAL President at craigandkath@me.com.

Advancement Team Updates

Primary School Christmas Creations - Save the Date!

Saturday, 18 November

2:30pm - 4:00pm

Primary School COLA

Save the date for our annual Gingerbread House making afternoon for Year 5 and 6 students and families. Further details will be sent out at the beginning of next term.