From the Principal

By Chris Shaw

Welcome to our Loreto Community

With a new school year comes a sense of possibility, and in my first days as Principal of Loreto College, this has been evident as we begin our year of Felicity. It has been a joy to welcome our community for the 2026 school year. The energy across the campus this week has been a reminder of the strength, warmth, and spirit that define our school.

Beginning with the Staff Week, this valuable time allowed colleagues to welcome new staff, reconnect, prepare, and ground ourselves in the shared mission of a Loreto education. Professional learning, planning sessions, and Formation set a purposeful tone for the year ahead with a focus on personal excellence and aiming high in all we do. As a school we set clear expectations for our students that position them for success and support from home is an important part of this shared commitment.

The return of students has filled the College with life, and this is my favourite part of a new year. Whether greeting soon to be new friends or welcoming back familiar ones, the sense of excitement fills everyone with energy. The students have stepped into the year with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a readiness to contribute. There is no shortage of ways for them to be involved and to ‘do good and do it well’ (Mary Ward).

A highlight of our start to the school year was our Commencement Mass. It was a beautiful celebration of unity, hope, and purpose and we are grateful to Fr Justin Driscoll for leading us once again. Coming together as a community in prayer reminds us of our shared identity as a Loreto school and our connection to the wider Mary Ward tradition. 

This year, our focus on the Loreto value of Felicity - a spirit of joy, cheerfulness, and open disposition and freedom of heart. Felicity calls us to approach our work and relationships with optimism, courage, and a deep trust in God’s presence. Throughout the year, we will explore how Felicity can shape our learning, our leadership, and our daily interactions.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with you at various school events and I thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. 

Bereavements

Sr Claire Gardiner (Mother Borromeo) CJ

It is with sadness that the CJ Sisters (Loreto) of Australia and South-East Asia announce the peaceful death of Sr Claire Gardiner (Mother Borromeo) (1930–2026) on Thursday, 16 January at St Peter’s Residential Aged Care, Lane Cove, New South Wales.

Claire was first educated by the Presentation Sisters in Sandringham and then at Holy Redeemer Central School in Ripponlea, before attending Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak. She entered the Institute in 1947, giving 79 years of her life to education and pastoral care.

Her teaching career took her to a number of Loreto schools including Portland, Coorparoo, Kirribilli, Ballarat and Normanhurst. Claire’s leadership roles included Principal at Portland, Vice Principal at Dawson Street, and Principal and Superior in Broome. In 1983, she was part of the Generalate community in Rome, where she continued her studies.

Sr Thérèse Lechte CJ

The CJ Sisters also announced the peaceful death of Sr Thérèse Lechte CJ on Tuesday, 6th January in St Vincent’s Aged Care Hawthorn.

Sr Therese’s ministry appointments over 60 plus years, as a teacher in Loreto schools and then an adult educator, showed enthusiastic dedication to all she was invited to do. 

After a period of study in Pastoral Ministry in the USA, Therese found great joy in diocesan adult education for those seeking membership in the Catholic faith. She also worked in parishes and faith communities. In later years she gave her time generously to accompanying refugees teaching English and settling in to Australia. Sr Therese will be fondly remembered by many around the network.

Loreto College Alumni

Over the holiday break we were saddened to hear of the sudden passing two of our Loreto College Alumni. Grace Warren (Class of 2023) who was a student at Loreto College from 2018 to 2023 and completed her schooling at Loreto in Year 11. 

NSW Jockey Bronte Simpson (Class of 2019) concluded at Loreto in Year 9 and was the sister to Chloe Johnston (Class of 2021) and Georgie Simpson (Class of 2018).  Bronte sadly passed away in the holiday break as a result of a car accident.

We pray for the repose of the souls of Sr. Claire, Sr. Thérèse, Grace and Bronte for comfort, strength, and peace for their families and friends in their time of grief. We also hold in prayer all staff and community members who knew and supported them. May the hope of eternal life bring light amid sorrow. 

VCE Results 2025 

Congratulations Class of 2025!

Of the 136 students who completed their Year 12 studies, 116 students completed the Victorian Certificate of Education, and 20 students completed the Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major.

We congratulate Dux Catalina Andrews who achieved an ATAR of 94.7. Catalina studied English Language, General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry, Psychology and Biology (studied in 2024). Her excellent results are an outcome of Catalina’s dedication and focus throughout her studies. Catalina received the Principal’s Award for All Round Excellence and the 2025 Somersetshire Award. 

Congratulations to Lacie Smith who was awarded the VCE-VM High Achiever Award and the VET High Achiever Award. Lacie also received the ADF Long Tan Leadership Award. 

Summary of Results

•           VCE Dux – Catalina Andrews

•           VCE-VM High Achiever – Lacie Smith

•           6% achieved an ATAR above 90

•           26% achieved an ATAR above 80

•           49% achieved an ATAR above 70

Median Study Score – 29

New Staff 

We welcome the following new staff to Loreto and wish them well in their new roles within the College.

We welcomed back Esta Anderson, Rachael McNamara, Scott Antonio, Jill Wheatland, Cameron Smith and Megan Poulton after periods of leave.