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Loreto College Marryatville Recognised As One Of Australia’s Most Innovative Schools

The Educator’s annual 5-star innovative schools report recognises the Australian schools at the forefront of innovation, reshaping the future of education and preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

The annual 5-star innovative schools report, released today by the Educator, acknowledges 46 Australian schools who are at the forefront of educational change and innovation. From teaching approaches to learning spaces and curriculum design, the awards identify the schools reshaping the future of education.

Leading South Australian girls’ school, Loreto College Marryatville is proudly one of 5 South Australian schools recognised in the report, with the College specifically recognised for their innovative approach to school-wide sustainability and dynamic student learning spaces.

Earlier this year, Loreto College was announced as a Best School Strategic Plan finalist in the 2022 Australian Education Awards. The future focused, award-winning strategic plan has guided the schools most recent initiatives and innovative approach to educating strong, passionate, and confident girls and young women who have the knowledge and skills to make a difference in their world.

Speaking to Loreto College’s recognition as a 5-star innovative school, Principal Dr Nicole Archard said:

“We are immensely proud of Loreto College’s recognition as one of Australia’s most innovative schools. Over the past twelve months, our ambitious strides towards greater school sustainability and commitment to create flexible and engaging learning spaces for our girls form an important part of our overall school strategic plan. These innovative applications ensure Loreto College is best positioned to educate the next generation of empowered female leaders.”

The key initiatives outlined within Loreto College Marryatville’s 5-star innovative schools recognition include:

School Sustainability

  • A target to reach net zero carbon emissions at the College by 2030, with several strategies commenced in 2021 across energy generation and consumption, waste management, and local environment.
  • A transition to solar power across the College, with Stage 1 energised across the campus in 2021. This has already achieved a 35% reduction in grid energy consumption, with Stage 2 is its planning phases to reach the 60% goal by 2024.
  • The commencement of a four-stream waste segregation system, which has already increased diversion from landfill by 105% in the first full year of operation. Supported by a #cuttherubbish campaign employed in partnership with international firm, The Detmold Group.
  • A major tree planting project is currently underway with 200 new plantings to occur across in 2022.
  • Curriculum development including the implementation of a new Environmental Science compulsory subject in Year 10 for implementation in 2022.

Student Learning Environment

  • The completion of a Junior School library redevelopment, creating flexible and beautiful learning spaces for primary aged girls, inspiring imagination, and facilitating a love and joy of reading, investigative study, and learning.
  • Adelaide Festival Theatre (AFT) supported the College and created a striking sensory piece of art in the form of a custom-built tree to inspire the imagination and learning of students.
  • The tree, constructed from wood, was scenic painted to bring the trunk and branches to life with wood-like texture. Fairy lights and spotlights were added to the canopy to illuminate the tree with a wash of different colours to suit the theme or mood of a story, thus bringing the dramatic elements of a story to life.
  • The array of zones for quiet reading, discovery, and playtime, alongside a specific research area and technology hub also add to the varying learning opportunities that combine differing pedagogical approaches for students and teachers.
  • The new library has had a positive effect on student learning and wellbeing, with students frequenting the library more often during their free time to sit in or under the tree to read or have quiet time and the borrowing of books has also increased.

Read the Latest at Loreto

As we wrap up Term 3, there have been several memorable events in the last fortnight that showcased the spirit and culture of our school. We celebrated the Senior Sports Awards, recognising the achievements of our athletes. The Senior School Leadership Handover Assembly was a significant occasion, where we applauded the contributions of our Class of 2024 leaders and welcomed the incoming leaders from the Class of 2025. We had the privilege of hosting the Dusty Feet Mob, an Aboriginal dance group from Port Augusta. Students also enjoyed Languages Week, participating in a variety of cultural activities. The term concluded with our annual Mission Day, a fundraising effort supporting Mary Ward International, reflecting our commitment to service and social justice.

Read the Latest at Loreto

In this week’s school newsletter, we highlight important recent events and achievements, including R U OK? Day, where students came together to foster mental health awareness and support. Year 7 and 8 students participated in Reflection Days and Writing Workshops, engaging in self-discovery and creative expression. Year 10 students gained hands-on experience through Workplace Learning, while students in Years 6, 9, 10, and 11 embarked on camps that enriched both academic and personal growth. We also celebrate athletic accomplishments and the success of our annual springART exhibition, showcasing emerging and established South Australian artists.

The confidence journey: strengthening girls through education

Loreto College Marryatville Principal Kylie McCullah shares her thoughts on building confidence in students, particularly girls and young women.

Read the Latest at Loreto

It’s been another action-packed fortnight at Loreto College Marryatville. We celebrated our fathers, friends, and father figures with a Fathers and Friends Lunch offsite and a Father's Day Breakfast on campus. The Junior School came alive during Book Week, culminating in a vibrant parade. Senior School students made a meaningful impact through acts of service. On the athletics front, Loreto athletes excelled, securing 2nd place in the SACSSGSA A Grade competition and winning three out of four intercol shields.

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