PROSPECTUS
L
Loreto College Ballarat has its foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ and is proud to be part of and contribute to the larger Catholic community. Loreto College builds on a strong and proud tradition of the education of girls, one which strives to offer ‘a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service’. (Loreto Schools of Australia Mission Statement)
LORETO
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
‘There is no subject of greater, perhaps of as great importance to a nation as that of its women’s education.’ Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm
As a leader in Catholic education in
The co-curricular opportunities open
the Loreto tradition for 150 years, our
doors to creativity, leadership, and
community is shaped by courage,
personal growth allowing every student
compassion, service and a deep
to step forward to achieve
commitment to the holistic education
and contribute.
of young women.
Loreto is a school where academic
With a rich heritage and a bold, future-
excellence and personal formation
focused spirit inspired by the vison of
go hand in hand. Our students are
Mary Ward, Mother Gonzaga Barry, the
encouraged to be thinkers, advocates,
Loreto sisters, and all those who have
creators, and collaborators who are
shaped our College, our students learn,
ready to shape a world that needs
lead and serve with integrity, purpose,
their voice and vision.
curiosity and a joyful spirit.
I invite you to discover for yourself the
Every day around the College, you can
Loreto difference through the warmth,
feel the energy of a place where students
ambition, and spirit that make our
are encouraged to think bravely, act
community so special.
justly, and discover who they are. Our lived Loreto values of Felicity, Freedom, Justice, Sincerity and Verity are seen in all we do. The learning programs at Loreto are designed to challenge and inspire and our strong focus on wellbeing ensures every student is known and supported.
Christine Shaw Principal
LORETO TODAY
‘This set me thinking and wishing our dear Loreto children were a ‘row of goodly pearls’. I would string my pearls on a triple cord, strong and sure.’ Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm ‘A vigorous belief in the capacity and responsibility of women to contribute significantly to society and the church underlies the emphasis in our tradition on the education of girls... It builds on Mary Ward’s conviction that “women in time to come will do much” and is inspired by her independence of spirit, her strength of mind, her tenacity and her courage in breaking new ground.’ Loreto Schools of Australia Mission Statement.
Loreto College is a welcoming, friendly community where each person is valued and where spirituality and learning are nurtured. With the Catholic perspective that formed the spirit and virtues of Mary Ward, young women are educated to strive for personal excellence. Loreto College has its foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ and is proud to be part of and contribute to the larger Catholic community. Loreto College builds on a strong and proud tradition of the education of students, one which strives to offer “a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates
“Loreto College Ballarat offers
students to use their individual gifts with
an innovative and contemporary
confidence, creativity and generosity in
education that engages
loving and responsible service.”
students and prioritises student agency.
The five pillars of Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Verity and Felicity summarise
We are committed to following
the vision of Loreto Education. We are a
in the footsteps of Mary Ward by
Catholic School with the expressed aim
developing courageous students
of living out the values of the Gospel.
able to thrive in a changing world.”
We are a Loreto school in the spirit of Mary Ward that believes strongly ‘that women in time will come to do great things.’
HERITAGE
“Stand in a place where God is to be seen.” Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm The Loreto school in Ballarat was the first
It was Mother Gonzaga’s view that
Loreto school in Australia, established
offering girls a rounded education,
by Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm and her
including the sciences, ‘would bring
community of Sisters in 1875 following
about reforms and improvements not
an invitation from the Bishop of Ballarat
yet dreamt of’.
to establish a Catholic school for girls.
Mother Gonzaga’s educational
Mother Gonzaga had come to Australia
endeavours came to include two schools
from Ireland imbued with the educational
for girls in Ballarat, at Mary’s Mount and
vision of Mary Ward ibvm, who more
Dawson Street, as well as primary
than 400 years ago was committed
schools. From these beginnings,
to education for women built on
Mother Gonzaga’s extraordinary vision
‘the qualities of freedom, justice and
and ability also saw Loreto schools
sincerity’.
established in Portland, Melbourne,
Holding close her faith and these ideals,
Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Mother Gonzaga established Loreto
The Loreto Sisters have also been
schools in Ballarat vowing to ‘educate
responsible for teacher training and the
the whole child’ so that every girl was
foundation of St Mary’s College at the
given ‘...a chance of distinguishing
University of Melbourne.
herself...’
SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION
“Strive ever to widen and deepen your hearts and minds.” Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm Loreto College is a Catholic school
It is within this context that the Loreto
and it is important for us as educators
school community attempts to nurture
to join parents in guiding the spiritual
students so they may see God in all that
and religious development of students
they do and experience.
– both as individuals and part of the community in which they live, learn and pray.
We do, however, recognise that in today’s open and pluralistic society, there may be frequent questions and
In Religious Education classes, Loreto
challenges raised by our students which
College students explore the teachings
we seek to deal with seriously as we
of our faith through the Awakenings
attempt to support our students’ search
Religious Education Program, as well as
for a faith to which they can honestly
participation in Liturgy, Prayer, Retreats,
assent and commit.
and Action for Justice and Peace.
It is our faith in God and the spiritual
Loreto College strives to be a place
traditions left to us by Mother
where the extraordinary reality of being
Gonzaga Barry ibvm and her faith-filled
‘made in the image and likeness of God’
companions which allow us to encourage
and being able to ‘find God in all things’
students to explore the contemporary
underpins and brings vitality to all that
world as part of their individual spiritual
students undertake.
journey.
STUDENT WELLBEING
Loreto College understands that its responsibilities to students relate not only to their educational and spiritual progress, but also their wellbeing as individuals. At Loreto College we strive to show
The Mentor Group arrangement is
respect for each other and treat one
designed to allow students and their
another with dignity so that each student
families to have one staff member acting
has a confident sense of selfworth and
as an advocate and support person. The
a willingness to take initiative, accept
Mentor Teacher will provide wellbeing,
responsibility and exercise leadership
academic and additional support where
A sense of belonging
needed to ensure students are engaged and supported. The Mentor Teacher
A crucial element of pastoral care is
will communicate a students’ overall
using ‘fun’ to help students develop a
progress as well as other additional areas
sense of ‘connectedness’ and belonging.
that may be required such as Learning
House System
Diversity.
Research has highlighted how important
From Year 7 to 9, Mentor Groups and
connectedness is to adolescents and
Mentor Teacher will change each year as
their feelings of self-worth. Loreto
students’ progress. From Year 10 to 12,
College uses the House Co-Curricular
students will continue to have the same
Program, Gonzaga Barry Day and other
Mentor Groups and teacher through to
events to provide opportunities for
the end of Year 12.
students to have fun and feel nurtured as
Leadership
members of the Loreto Community. The House system also reinforces a sense of belonging through a range of activities, including House Choirs, sporting carnivals and casual days, and provides students with leadership opportunities. Mentor Groups
At Loreto College, every student is a leader. With a range of formal and informal opportunities for all students to develop their leadership style and skills across a wide range of interests, skills and passions. Under our Leadership Portfolio Model,
Our pastoral care program takes a
there is an opportunity for students
horizontal approach, meaning each
from Year 8 – 12 to be involved in
Mentor Group (commonly known as a
various portfolios. Each portfolio has a
House Group) comprises of students
Year 12 captain followed by a team of
from only their year level.
representatives from Years 8-11. These portfolios include; sport, creative arts, first nation, sustainability, social justice, performing arts, liturgy, communications & media, house and felicity (academic co-curricular activities.
EDUCATING GIRLS
“Be such as we appear and appear such as we are...”Mary Ward
At Loreto College Ballarat, we
In the rich tradition and spirit of Mary
understand that before students can
Ward, Loreto students are valued as
feel free to fully engage with others they
individuals from the moment they walk
must first feel comfortable and confident
through the door. It is so much more
in the environment that surrounds them.
than an education...... being part of the
This brings to the fore the need to provide Loreto girls with opportunities
Loreto family has always been a way of life.
to develop a sense of connectedness
A Loreto student is guided by her
and belonging - once a student has a
spirituality, is proud of their individual
sense of who she is and feels valued
gifts and talents, has a strong sense
for all she can be, she can confidently
of values, ethics and social justice and
make her way in the world.
belongs to a strong and supportive
Loreto education today truly reflects
world-wide community.
the global society in which we live,
A Loreto student embraces their lifelong
with students encouraged to form
educational journey to become an
relationships with the Loreto community
educated and individual world-ready
throughout Australia and worldwide.
Loreto Woman.
This broad community of Loreto schools teaches students in the Loreto spirit, and we aim for our Loreto students to feel very much a part of the global Loreto community.
A Loreto student will always have a special place in the world; and in the legacy of our founders……will go on to…”do much!”
YEAR 7 TRANSITION
“Aim at something excellent, our life is largely influenced by what we aim at ...“ Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm
At Loreto College we recognise that
The second Orientation Day brings all
for many, the transition into secondary
future Year 7 students together. This is
education is like a leap into the
a great day that gives the students a
unknown, and thus offer both students
taste of the exciting educational journey
and their parents many opportunities
ahead.During this day the students will
to become familiar with the school well
meet their future classmates.
before each student arrives for their first day of Year 7.
Once the students have excitedly begun Year 7, further transition activities are
Parents of successful applicants are then
planned during the first semester, these
invited to an orientation evening, usually
include the Year 7 Camp and a Year 7
held in Term 4, which is held prior to a
welcome family picnic.
separate orientation program for the students – our newest members of the Loreto school community.
The staff at Loreto College recognise that transition to the next stage of education is a vitally important
To assist in a smooth transition, Loreto
experience and they endeavour to make
College Orientation Days are split into
this time welcoming and informative
two sessions. The first is set aside for
for both students and their families.
students who may be the only ones from their primary school embarking on the Loreto journey and for students, who for whatever reason, may need additional assistance transitioning into secondary school.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
“A school where the whole child is educated according to the capabilities, talents, tastes and position in life which God has given her.”Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm For many students, the pursuit of academic excellence involves striving toward the highest possible VCE score to achieve that dream university placement, and then for others - goals, dreams and interests lie elsewhere and their journey to excellence takes them on a different path.
Digital Learning Loreto College is committed to digital learning as part of the 21st Century skills our students require. Each student is equipped with a digital device, which they use in the classroom and at home to develop their ICT (Information Communication Technology) skills and to
Loreto College provides a holistic
access a range of online resources and
education in which each student is:
tools to support their learning. Digital
•
valued as an individual.
learning is supported and integrated into
•
supported in their quest for personal
• •
the curriculum.
excellence.
We strongly believe that the education
encouraged to become a critical,
of our students is a partnership between
reflective and responsible learner.
the College and parents, who work
encouraged to engage with the wider community in an ethical, just and compassionate manner.
Whatever each student’s chosen journey, Loreto College aims to support and to encourage students by giving them the opportunity to embrace all that Loreto College offers - a vibrant curriculum, academic extension co-curriculum, outstanding facilities, welcoming community, spiritual traditions and an extraordinary history.
together to support each student in the achievement of their goals.
TEACHING & LEARNING
“... acquire a taste for life’s simple pleasures, and do not be in a hurry to say good-bye to childhood days...” Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm
Years 7 and 8, A Balanced Journey
Year 9 Active Learning
The Loreto College curriculum is rich,
In Year 9, students show a growing
broad and vigorous and Year 7 students
interest in the future and, in particular,
are introduced to a community that
the pathways they intend to pursue.
values a love of learning and promotes
It is also at this time that they seek to
learning for a lifetime.
establish links between what they are
We strive to ensure that each student is supported and her talents recognised
achieving at school and their aspirations for the future – outside of school.
and encouraged, so that she is
In Year 9, elective subjects are
stimulated by her educational surrounds
introduced which provides students
and becomes a confident, independent
with the opportunity to begin explore a
learner.
variety of interest areas.
We aim to challenge students through
In recognition of the need for
learning both in, and beyond, the
adolescents to grow, explore and build
classroom. Incursions, excursions and
resilience, the Year 9 Curriculum
study tours are experiences that support
is complemented by the Active Learning
and complement classroom activities.
Program, which aims to assist students in
The curriculum is balanced across the learning areas of:
developing a greater sense of their own identity and self-worth.
•
Religious Education
The focus throughout the entire year is
•
The Arts
on offering our students a diversity of
•
English
activities that aim to improve motivation
•
Health and Physical Education
and engagement, whilst at the same
•
Humanities
time enhancing their skills in decision
•
Languages (French & Japanese)
making, problem solving, working within
•
Mathematics
a team, responsibility and independence.
•
Science, and
Activities include a three-day Melbourne
•
Technology.
Adventure, Leadership Days, and an Outdoor Education Camp.
TEACHING & LEARNING
“...our ideals often make realities...” Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm
Senior Years - Choice and Opportunity
The Loreto/Family Partnership
In Year 10 students continue to tailor
Loreto learning is a partnership between
their studies to meet their interests,
home and school and Loreto College
career aspirations and potential
works with parents to develop students’
pathways beyond school. Loreto College
independent learning skills
offers an extensive Victorian Certificate
– academically, spiritually and socially.
of Education (VCE) program that allows
Open communication channels are an
students the opportunity to succeed
essential part of this partnership. Families
at their studies while building self-
and the College need to consider each
confidence, optimism and selfesteem.
others’ thoughts and concerns so that
The Victorian Certificate of Education - Vocational Major (VCE-VM) program offers a range of Vocational Education Training (VET) studies as well local industry programs. A range of Vocational Education Training (VET) studies are offered in conjunction with the Local Learning and Education Network. Our goal for each Loreto student is that
each student is given the opportunity to excel in an environment where she feels confident, comfortable and supported. Opportunities are presented throughout the school year for parents to gain both formal and informal feedback on their child’s progress. Appointments can also be made to talk to individual teachers. Teacher Development
they learn to operate confidently and
Loreto College values the
with integrity while opening the future
professionalism and wellbeing of staff
to many pathways through a strong
and is committed to retaining and
partnership between the student, home
attracting high quality staff who embrace
and the school.
continual professional learning and growth. Teachers are supported and encouraged to extend their professional learning by keeping up-to-date with contemporary theory, research and practice and taking opportunities to extend their career pathways.
TEACHING & LEARNING CO-CURRICULUM
A diverse, challenging and exciting co-curricular program complements the comprehensive Loreto curriculum. The co-curricular program is offered
soccer, touch football, cross-country,
to students to enrich their lives and
lawn bowls, croquet and football teams.
educational experiences and includes
Students also compete in swimming,
activities relating to:
athletics, cross-country and rowing
Music – in addition to the school music
carnivals.
program, students can choose private
Academia – debating, curriculum related
music tuition with teachers currently
competitions, forums and academic
visiting the school to teach piano, oboe,
challenge days are offered as part of
clarinet, flute, saxophone, bassoon,
the academic extension cocurricular
violin, viola, percussion, brass, guitar,
program, which promotes and
voice and speech & drama. Subjects
recognises academic excellence.
available for private tuition may vary slightly from year to year according to interest. A range of musical ensembles practise and perform at Loreto.
Service to the Community – the College has an active Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) team which helps the community in practical and spiritual
Performance – the performance
ways. Students are also encouraged to
and arts program are vehicles for
look for ways that they can offer practical
the students’ artistic expression and
assistance to those in need whether it be
allow them to showcase their diverse
via fundraising, volunteering or spiritual
talents. A highlight is the Loreto musical
support.
production. Students take on roles both on and off-stage and present a show of exceptional quality. The Loreto Arts Festival is also an annual highlight and includes the House Choir competition and a week of auditions, culminating with the evening Arts Festival Concert. Sports – Loreto students are encouraged to participate in sporting teams that compete in local competitions and carnivals. Loreto College has cricket, hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, badminton, softball, tennis,
Camps & Study Tours – Loreto Schools across Australia have strong connections providing a range of exchange and learning opportunities. A Loreto Pilgrimage to Ireland and England and a “Space Camp” tour to America is offered on alternate years, along with study tours to Japan & France.