Mission and Identity
Recognising the Dignity of Every Person
During March our community marks two important observances: National Close the Gap Day and Harmony Day, the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March). While they arise from different contexts, both invite us to reflect on a shared and essential truth which is the dignity of every human person.
National Close the Gap Day calls attention to the ongoing disparities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It reminds us of the importance of listening to First Nations voices and working towards justice, equity, and genuine reconciliation in Australia.
Harmony Day which recognises the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, similarly asks us to stand against racism in all its forms and to recognise the richness and value that diversity brings to our communities. It is a global call to ensure that every person is treated with fairness, respect, and equality.
As a Loreto school, these days resonate deeply with our core belief in human dignity. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore possesses an inherent and unique worth. This dignity is not earned – it is given. It calls us to recognise the value of every individual and to respond with respect, compassion, and justice.
As Pope Francis wrote in Fratelli Tutti: “The dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances… because human beings possess an intrinsic worth.” (#213, Francis 2020).
Our Year 12 students have recently been deepening their understanding of Human Dignity and Catholic Social Teaching. Through their learning, they have been exploring how these principles shape the way we view the world, challenge injustice, and respond to the needs of others. These conversations invite students to broaden their perspectives, reflect critically on social issues, and consider how they might contribute to building a more just and compassionate society.
For our students, these moments of reflection are opportunities to grow in awareness and empathy. They encourage us to listen more deeply, to stand alongside those whose voices may not always be heard, and to ensure that our words and actions affirm the dignity of every person.
Year 4 Chapel Mass – Celebrating the Feast of St Patrick
On Tuesday Year 4 students joyfully celebrated the feast of Saint Patrick, remembering the life and mission of the patron saint of Ireland. Our Year 4 students brought a wonderful spirit of celebration and reverence to the liturgy. Saint Patrick is remembered for his courage, perseverance and deep trust in God. For the Loreto Sisters who came from Ireland to Australia, this was a special day – and it remains so for the Sisters of today.
The Year 4 students participated beautifully in the celebration, contributing through prayers, readings and singing. Their involvement helped create a prayerful and joyful atmosphere.
As a Catholic school community, moments like these remind us of the importance of coming together in prayer and learning from the lives of the saints. Saint Patrick’s story encourages us to live with courage, kindness and faith in our daily lives, sharing God’s love with others through our words and actions.
Martina O'Connell
Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity
Year 3 Liturgy
The Year 3 Gold class led their first Liturgy on Monday afternoon, with the entire Junior School gathering in anticipation of the upcoming celebration of Harmony Day. The girls offered beautiful reflections and prayers focused on unity and harmony among people of all nations. Their Liturgy provided a meaningful and fitting opportunity for reflection, especially as Harmony Day will be celebrated on Saturday 21 March.
Sacramental Program
We also had our first session for parents to prepare families for this shared journey of faith between home, school and parish. Fr. Chris Jenkins led the session providing a theological look at these Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation in relation to our daily lives. These sacraments mark an important step in the girls' faith journey, inviting them to experience God’s forgiveness, the strength of the Holy Spirit and the nourishment of the Eucharist.
We look forward with prayerful anticipation to the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion, which will be celebrated in May. We hope this time will be one of reflection, growth and joyful preparation for our families and faith community.
Amanda Rego
Religious Education Coordinator R-6