Mission and Identity

Justice Priority Highlight 

The Loreto Sisters, inspired by the vision of Mary Ward, have been pioneers in education and social justice for centuries. They are committed to building a world of freedom, justice, and sincerity through their mission. This mission continues to shape the global Loreto network; Central to this are the Five Justice Priorities: The Reality of Human Trafficking, Rights of First Nations peoples, Refugees and Asylum Seekers, Ecological Justice and the Rights of Women and Girls. 

These priorities reflect a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities, advocating for the marginalised, protecting the planet, and fostering harmony within communities. They serve as a guiding framework for the Loreto network’s schools, justice and outreach programs, ensuring that the values of justice and compassion remain at the heart of everything that we do. 

November has two significant days that reflect the Justice priority the Rights of Women and Girls. 

World Children’s Day – November 20 

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s annual day of action for children, by children, and marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It provides an entry point to advocate for, promote and celebrate children’s rights. The Loreto network is proud of a more than 400-year-old tradition that empowers millions of girls through the transformative impact of education. This tradition also supplies readings, videos, prayers and ways to act to support the rights of children at the Loreto Justice Network’s Action Centre for The Rights of Women and Children.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – November 25 

In keeping with the Loreto commitment to the Rights of Women and Children we observe the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

“Despite the adoption of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by the UN General Assembly in 1979, violence against women and girls remains a pervasive problem worldwide. … there is still a long way to go at

the global scale. To date, only two out of three countries have outlawed domestic violence, while 37 countries worldwide still exempt rape perpetrators from prosecution if they are married to or eventually marry the victim and 49 countries currently have no laws protecting women from domestic violence.” 

(UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women).

The Importance of Outreach

Outreach to the community is vital for young people as it develops empathy, social responsibility, and a sense of purpose. Engaging in community service allows young individuals to connect with people from all aspects of a community. Through outreach, our girls develop practical skills such as teamwork, communication, most importantly it cultivates a sense of gratitude, inspiring young people to appreciate their privileges,  and see that they can make a change in small ways in the lives of others.  Outreach in the community aligns with our values, empowering our girls to be active participants in building inclusive and supportive communities.  This week girls from Year 7-11 visited our local Aged Care facility, helping to bring some early Christmas cheer to the residents and staff.  The girls and residents joyfully sang Christmas carols, such as Silent Night and Joy to the World. They finished with a song from the musical Mamma Mia! – Dancing Queen. Plans are already underway to develop this intergenerational program in 2025, focusing on the benefit of movement and song, 

Martina O’Connell 

Assistant Principal Mission & Identity 

Remembrance Day Whole School Liturgy

On Remembrance Day, our school community came together for a poignant and reflective Whole School Liturgy. A standout feature of the service was the participation of our readers—each bringing an added layer of depth and meaning to the occasion. However, the most memorable moment came at the very end, when Rosie, one of our talented year 6 students, played The Last Post on the trumpet. Her heartfelt performance left us all in awe. It was a truly goosebump-inducing moment that encapsulated the spirit of Remembrance Day. 

Launch of the Christmas Appeal in the Junior School

The launch of the Christmas Appeal, led by the Junior School Social Justice Leaders took place during Monday liturgy. These students have worked incredibly hard to create a campaign that aims to make a real difference in the lives of those in need during the holiday season. This year’s appeal focuses on collecting Christmas gifts and personal hygiene products, which will be distributed to local families and individuals who may be facing hardship through Vinnies and the Hutt St Centre. 

As part of the Christmas Appeal launch, we were honoured to welcome Mr Chris Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the Hutt St Centre, who shared his powerful insights on homelessness and how we can all play a role in supporting those who are struggling. Mr. Burns spoke about the challenges faced by homeless individuals and the importance of compassion, understanding, and action in our communities. His words resonated with everyone, reinforcing the true meaning of the season—giving, kindness, and service to others. 

Walk and Talk – A Generous Response 

In a show of incredible generosity, our Junior School students embraced the Walk and Talk initiative, which encouraged them to bring a Christmas gift for those in need. Partnering with the Senior students who donated a gold coin, the response has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful for the support shown by our students and their families. These gifts will make a significant impact and help brighten the lives of many over the festive season. 

We will continue to collect gifts and personal hygiene products until the last week of term. If you haven’t had the chance to contribute yet, there’s still time to be part of this wonderful cause. 

A heartfelt thank you to all who have already donated and supported the appeal. Your generosity is truly making a difference and helping to bring joy and hope to those in need this Christmas. 

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone. 

Isabelle Roberts

REC R-6 & College Liturgist