From the Acting Assistant Principal: Faith & Identity

By Jarrod Ryan

Mary Ward Connect

Established in 2009, the Mary Ward Connect Program is intended to develop further connectedness between the Loreto schools in Australia. The annual three-day program sees each school welcome visitors from two Loreto schools. This year Loreto College Ballarat was paired with Loreto Marryatville (Adelaide) and Loreto Normanhurst (Sydney). A number of students from Loreto College Ballarat were selected to visit Marryatville and Normanhurst, while many another students assisted in our buddy program held here in Ballarat for the respective Colleges. 

The overarching intention of the program is to provide staff and students the chance to gain a firsthand insight into life at the different schools, and the opportunity to experience some of what the area has to offer. The program offers students the chance to share in the kindred spirit of Mary Ward, and the legacy she has left for us all. It was wonderful to see our students wholly engage in the activities offered through the week.

During their time in Ballarat our visitors and their buddies had a fun filled day at Sovereign Hill searching for gold, eating boiled lollies, bowling and completing an underground mine tour. The whole of Year 10 had the opportunity to attend a moonlight cinema night in the library eating pizza and relaxing together. During STRIVE time the houses competed for our Mary Ward trophy in a round robin of games. The week culminated in a dinner together, friendship bracelets were made, tears were shed and many memories for formed. 

Below are some student reflections of their experiences.

Mary Ward Connect in Marryatville

By Amali Torney - Year 10

My Mary Ward Connect Experience in Loreto Marryatville, Adelaide was more than just a few days of activities - it was an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and embrace what it really is to be a Loreto girl. 

One moment that really stood out to me was at the Adelaide Museum where all the girls got to wander around and enjoy each other's company. It wasn't a structured kind of activity but in that time, we were able to form connections - girls laughing and genuinely enjoying each other's company and stories.

I got to hear different points of view about their similar Loreto school experiences but also how they are all unique in their own ways. An example of this is the different special events that have become tradition over time like our 4EK Day and their Green and Pink Day.

Mary Ward Connect feels like sisterhood and belonging, an invisible bond we all share. It's a special tradition and what it means to be a Loreto Girl.

Mary Ward Connect in Normanhurst

By Sienna Templar - Year 10

The Mary Ward Connect visit to Loreto Normanhurst broadened my appreciation for our Loreto community. Many similarities and differences between our school and other Loreto schools were shown, differences in the buildings, location, and uniform, with the main similarity being the Loreto spirit. Each day we connected and learnt more about our buddies and their daily school routines. 

Travelling by train and ferry around Sydney provided stunning views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House despite the wet and cold weather. Travelling around the city was a particularly memorable part of the trip that I shared with the rest of the Loreto Ballarat group. The warm welcome from the buddies and shared activities built lasting friendships, learning more about the Normanhurst way of life revealed a lively school spirit that evidently reflects our shared Loreto values. 

Over the four days of Mary Ward Connect, those involved from the other Loreto schools as well as those from our Ballarat group were able to bond as we got to know each other well and spent lots of time together. Mary Ward Connect has shown that no matter the location of Loreto schools, the same shared values are reflected from the students and the overall Loreto communities. 

Mary Ward Connect in Ballarat

By Amelie Price - Year 10

I know that I did originally  want to go to Sydney and Adelaide to experience the other Loreto schools but I think not going made me realise that everything happens for a reason. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to be a buddy and represent our Loreto school in Ballarat. I expected to go into the experience meeting new potential friends but I never expected to build the connections I did. It was so nice getting to know new people and although it's so sad seeing them go it will forever be a memory I will always cherish.