Oireachtas Work Experience
Congratulations to Orlaith Gorman (TY) who has been awarded a coveted place on the Oireachtas Work Experience programme from 26 February to 1 March 2024. As part of this, Orlaith will spend two days in Leinster House. We congratulate her on this great achievement.
Diverse Voices – Report from Inclusion Committee
An important job of the Inclusion Committee is to give everyone a voice. Sometimes we might unintentionally overlook the voices of those from a minority group and miss a valuable chance to learn more about our wonderfully diverse school community. In this new regular feature, we hope to share the interesting stories of students from diverse backgrounds.
Name: Alisha Sheppard
Age: 16
Year: TY, 4.4
Home: Wexford Town
Favourite Food: Yorkshire Puddings
Favourite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favourite Subjects: History & PE
Favourite Hobby: Basketball
What I Like about School: Being part of a community
Inclusion Committee
I joined this committee because I wanted to make sure everybody’s voice could be heard. I really value equality- it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what you believe in, what your sexuality is- we are all human beings at the end of the day. The world is like a jigsaw. We’re small pieces of that puzzle but we can make our pieces as bright as possible. On the Inclusion Committee, even if it’s just a small difference we’re making, it’s still worth it. All the baby steps add up.
Aspect of Inclusion
The area I’m most interested in is equal rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Even when I was younger, I couldn’t understand how it was illegal in some countries to fall in love with someone. As much as members of our community have worked to improve the situation globally, there are still mountains to climb. It can be hard being in all-girls school and being gay because some people just presume you have a crush on them. I always ask these people ‘Do you have a crush on every guy you see?’ There are so many stereotypes out there about LGBTQ+. Sometimes it is easier to conform to the stereotype that society has put on us just to fit in, even though that might not be who you really are.
Stand Up Week, Monday 6th November to Friday 10th November 2023
I have mixed feelings about Stand-Up Week. I get why it’s done but really we deserve the same respectful treatment all year round. Nevertheless, I appreciate that people can get educated on LGBTQ+ during a week like this and that’s really important. Everybody has a story to tell, and the week allows people to tell their stories like I’m doing now. I don’t want the week to be about ticking a box, I want it to be meaningful. Pride is a protest, not a celebration- we want better healthcare for trans people, we want gay men to be allowed to donate blood in Ireland, we want young people in schools to feel safe.
FDYS is a youth service in Wexford that gives young people an outlet, a voice and a safe space to be who they are no matter how diverse their background. It is a fun space where there are activities to improve social skills, e.g. art classes, music, drumming, Halloween parties and so on. During these fun activities we are educated on important topics like drug misuse, homelessness, college queries just to name a few. I am delighted that Emma Whitty from FDYS Wexford is coming to our school on Friday the 10th of November to speak to all TYs. She will give a great insight into the importance of acceptance and tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community. She will also let students know about the great work being done by the FDYS in Wexford.
My Message LGBTQ+:
We are all people, live and let live
Sporting Updates
U – 17 Soccer: Report by Lauryn Murphy (TY student)
Our Under-17 soccer team played their first match against Mercy, New Ross on Tuesday, the 17th of October.
There was an impressive performance from the Loreto girls in the first half, but persistent rainy conditions and a waterlogged pitch made it difficult for scoring chances. Our backs defended brilliantly throughout the first half.
Although we were 1-0 down at halftime, the score did not reflect our first-half performance, which included some great free kicks from our captain, Aoife McEldowney.
We had suffered a big loss before the match had even started as we did not have our brilliant fifth-years playing, as they were away on a trip. The second half saw us concede a few goals, which unfortunately put us in a position behind Mercy, and we were unable to catch up before the final whistle. Although we did have some great scoring chances in the second half, it was an overall impressive performance from Loreto.
Senior Football: Report by Esme Mc Kiernan (TY student)
On Friday, the 13th of October, our Senior football team travelled to Kilanerin GAA club for an annual football blitz. When they arrived, they were told that they had advanced straight through to the final due to a couple of teams pulling out at the last minute.
The girls then geared up and headed out to the pitch for a warm-up before preparing to play against Gorey Community School, a very strong opponent. The match began at 11:45, and the Loreto girls took an early lead, but sadly, the Gorey girls emerged as the winners. There were many scores throughout the match by several girls, showcasing great teamwork and skill. The girls put up a good fight and made the school very proud, as this was their first match together, with a couple of Transition Year girls playing up to complete the team. The girls have many more matches scheduled throughout the year, and they are optimistic that the results will improve.
Halloween Activities
As we start the mid-term break, I extend my sincere thanks to all students and staff for their hard work and commitment over the term. I wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!