From the Principal 

Celebrating 150 Years of Loreto Education

Last week, I had the honour of visiting Loreto College Ballarat alongside fellow Loreto Principals from all Australian Loreto schools to celebrate 150 years of Loreto education in Australia and Southeast Asia. The celebrations began with a beautiful outdoor Mass, attended by over 1,200 people, which was a truly moving experience. It was inspiring to gather in such a large and united community of faith.

After Mass, we had the opportunity to explore a special travelling exhibition, which will visit Marryatville in Term 3. One of the exhibition's highlights is a series of bespoke skirts, designed by each Loreto school to represent the unique qualities of each institution. Our Marryatville skirt draws inspiration from First Creek and the correspondence between St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Mother Gonzaga Barry, reflecting the rich history of our school and its connection to the Loreto tradition.

The visit also marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of Loreto education in Australia, commemorating the arrival of Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions in Melbourne, and their subsequent settlement in Ballarat. Their faith-driven journey established the foundation for the transformative education, community, and leadership that has flourished through the Loreto tradition across Australia and Southeast Asia.

Mother Gonzaga Barry’s words, “If I had not agreed to go, I would have been unfaithful to grace,” continue to inspire us, reminding us of her unwavering commitment to God’s mission and the legacy she left behind.

Kylie McCullah 

Principal