By Alice Compton
As the countdown to graduation comes to an end and the daunting yet exciting reality of finishing high school draws nearer for Year 12’s, I can’t help but reflect on all of the things that have shaped my experience at Loreto over the past 6 years. It seems like only yesterday that I stepped into the DRC as a rather shy and nervous 11-year-old, unknowing of what lay ahead of me. I cannot believe just how quickly the time has gone by, and that soon I will be left with only memories of my time at this school.
My favourite memories of my experience at Normo definitely revolve around Music Festival. Since Year 7, Music Festival has been the event that I have looked forward to the most.
It is such a special opportunity to spend time with the girls in your House and get involved in the community. The night is full of excitement and anticipation, and is made even more memorable by the strong sense of House spirit that characterises the event. Being a part of my House Choir for five years and then conducting Kendall house in my sixth and final year are experiences that brought me so much joy. I will never forget them.
My time in my Tutor Group also stands out to me. Whether it was my shy Year 8 self becoming friends with the Year 12s in Kendall 2 or the time spent with the older and younger girls in Kendall 7 over the past few years, being part of my Tutor Group has strengthened my relationships with the girls around me. I have made so many friends, both younger and older, that I am sure I will have forever. It is astonishing that I have witnessed my older friends graduate over the years and now it is my turn. I love hearing about their journeys beyond school when I catch up with them, and I can’t wait to share similar experiences with the younger girls in my Tutor Group.
One of the most memorable experiences of my time at Loreto was Outreach, like many other Normo girls.
The two weeks that I spent in Far North Queensland in Year 9 were absolutely incredible, and I often find myself wishing that I could go back and do it again. It was definitely a stand out experience that shaped the person that I am today and helped me to break out of my shell. I can’t wait to visit FNQ again in the future!
Whilst all of these experiences have brought me so much joy over the years, the bonds that I have formed with friends and teachers are what I will look back on with the most fondness. The best parts of my high school experience were the result of the amazing people at Normo. I am so thankful for all of the friends that I have made and all of the teachers who have constantly supported me through the years. My advice to younger girls is to embrace every single aspect of Loreto life because there are so many incredible opportunities to create wonderful memories that you can look back on in the future!
