Faith and Mission

From the Mission and Identity Team

Symbols of Welcome 

It was with great pleasure that we welcomed and commissioned our new Principal Ms Kylie McCullah during our Opening School Mass for 2024. As part of the commissioning, Ms McCullah was presented with a Bible and a Loreto ring, both of which have a special significance to our community. The bible is a reminder that as a faith leader, Ms McCullah may find within its page’s sources of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration, just as Mary Ward did. 

The Loreto ring is imprinted with the Loreto Crest. The Loreto Crest was thought to have been developed by Mother Teresa Ball as an expression of Loreto spirituality. Mother Teresa Ball was the founder of the Irish branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and called her first foundation at Rathfarnham, ‘Loreto Abbey’, after the place of pilgrimage in Italy. The crest first appeared in the letterhead of letters written by Mother Teresa Ball in 1851. See image:

There are four symbols on the Loreto Crest:

The Cross – The emblem of salvation. The cross reminds us that we love God. This form of the cross is the one used in the family crest of our founder, Mary Ward.

The Sacred Heart - The Sacred Heart reminds us that the most important thing is for us to love God and one another.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary - The pierced Heart of Mary - depicting her courage as a guide for us. The loving heart reminds us of Mary, who is very special for all Loreto girls. 

The Anchor - The ancient symbol of the Church. The anchor is strong and steadfast.

Our Liturgical Life 

Ash Wednesday Whole School Liturgy 

On Ash Wednesday, our entire school gathered in the gymnasium for a solemn and reflective liturgy to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. This spiritually enriching event provided students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the significance of Ash Wednesday and set the tone for the Lenten journey ahead. During this liturgy, Senior Leaders led the readings and the distribution of Ashes. Social Justice Leaders spoke to the gathered students about the Caritas Project Compassion Appeal.

Whole School Opening Mass and Commissioning of New Principal 

A momentous occasion unfolded during our whole school opening mass, where we not only celebrated our faith but also witnessed the commissioning of our new principal. This symbolic event marks a new chapter in our school's leadership, and we look forward to the positive impact our new principal will have on the school community.

Junior School  

Launch of Project Compassion Appeal at Junior School Liturgy 

Shrove Tuesday

On Tuesday morning last week, our Junior School students arrived to the delicious smell of pancakes cooking in the quad. Kickstarting our Project Compassion Appeal and led by the Year 6 Students and their teachers, this annual event was welcomed wholeheartedly by our community. Grateful thanks to our Year 6 classes for organising this wonderful event. 

During our Week 4 Junior School liturgy, we proudly launched the Project Compassion appeal, an annual initiative that encourages our students to embrace social justice and make a positive difference in the world. This project aligns with our commitment to instil values of compassion and empathy in our students. We introduced and heard from our new Social Justice Leaders. These student leaders passionately spoke about the Project Compassion appeal, inspiring their peers to actively engage in acts of kindness, generosity, and social responsibility. We believe these young leaders will play a crucial role in fostering a spirit of compassion within our school community. 

We encourage you to discuss these events with your child, as they provide valuable opportunities for reflection, spiritual growth, and community engagement. As always, we appreciate your continued support in creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment for our students. 

Induction of Junior School Leaders 

Induction of the Junior School Leaders for 2024 will take place during our Monday morning liturgy in Week 5, at 8.30 am. During this liturgy, all Prayer, Liturgy, Social Justice, SRC and House Captains will receive their badges. All parents are welcome to attend this liturgy. 

Caritas Project Compassion Appeal 

Project Compassion provides us with an opportunity to work in partnership towards a brighter tomorrow. It acts as a timely reminder that, by putting our faith and compassion in action today, we have the power to create lasting change for generations to come.  

This week, all families will receive the familiar small Project Compassion boxes. Please keep this in a prominent position in your home and encourage your children to collect donations throughout Lent. After 4 weeks, small coins soon add up to a welcome donation towards this Appeal. Throughout the remainder of this term, classes will host fundraisers which will provide opportunities and much fun, to raise money, culminating in our favourite day “Purple Day” at the end of term. Information about these fundraisers will be sent out prior to each day. Thank you for your support for this worthy appeal. 

Sacramental Program

Thank you to all parents who have returned their Registration and Certificates for the 2024 Sacramental Program. A reminder that the Parent Information meetings will take place at the end of this term. If you are still wishing to enrol your daughter to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, please return your forms by MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY. Thank you.  

All enquiries to Isabelle.roberts@loreto.sa.edu.au