From the Principal 

Connected World 

The exhibition hall is buzzing with conversation.  Families asking questions about Australian schools, students imagining what their future might look like in another country, and educators from around our nation are sharing their stories. It is here, in mainland China, after travelling through Hong Kong to attend the AEAS Australian Schools Exhibition, that I am writing this article for our College newsletter. It has been a wonderful opportunity to share with prospective families what a Loreto College Marryatville education offers young women who are seeking to study in Australia. Being here is a powerful reminder that the world our students are preparing for is deeply interconnected. 

Welcoming international students into our community enriches the learning environment.  For our local students, it provides daily opportunities to build cultural intelligence; learning alongside peers whose languages, traditions and life experiences may be different from their own. These authentic interactions develop empathy, curiosity and adaptability – qualities that are increasingly essential in universities and workplaces around the world. 

For the international students who join us in Adelaide, the opportunity is equally significant. They experience a holistic education grounded in strong academic learning, alongside a wellbeing and values-based approach that encourages leadership, service and personal growth. Living and learning in Australia allows them to engage with a new culture while developing independence, confidence and global perspective. 

Research consistently highlights the importance of these capabilities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) describes global competence as the ability to understand different perspectives, communicate across cultures, and act responsibly in an interconnected world. Through its PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) data, the OECD has shown that students who regularly engage with different cultures and global issues demonstrate stronger openness, collaboration skills, and intercultural understanding. 

In schools, this learning does not happen only through travel or exchange. It grows through conversations in classrooms, friendships in the playground, language learning, and the daily experience of being part of a diverse community. 

At its best, international education is mutually enriching. Our students learn that leadership in the modern world requires both intellectual capability and cultural understanding. When young people graduate with both, they are better prepared to contribute meaningfully – whether their future takes them across the world or within South Australia.   

I look forward to being back on campus next week. 

Kylie McCullah 

Principal