Mission and Identity

From the Mission and Identity Team

Mission Day 2025: A Celebration of Faith and Community

Last week our college community came together in joy and solidarity to celebrate Mission Day, a day dedicated to living out the values of Mary Ward by supporting the work of Mary Ward International (MWI).

The day began with a whole school liturgy, grounding our celebrations in prayer and reflection. We gave thanks for our many blessings and remembered the communities around the world who, through MWI, benefit from our support. Students led us in prayer and song, reminding us of our shared responsibility to act with compassion and justice.

Our Social Justice Captains prepared an assembly on the meaning of Mission Day and shared stories of the wonderful work of MWI. We learned about the Vinh Loc Learning Program in Vietnam and the Midwifery and Baby Milk Project in Zambia.  Students Aeon and Phoebe shared reflections of their time in Vietnam with the Loreto sisters and the students. 

Following this, the school was transformed into a hub of energy and creativity with an array of student-led fundraising stalls. Our students created stalls that had everything from spring rolls and nuggets to lollies and books. There were also lots of fun games and activities, each stall reflecting the enthusiasm and generosity of our students, who worked together to raise funds for important projects. 

Finally, the Talent Show showcased the incredible gifts of our students. With music, dance, drama and comedy, the performances brought us together in celebration of the unique talents within our community. 

The joy and encouragement shared by all was a true sign of our Loreto spirit.

Mission Day is always a reminder that when we work together, we can make a real difference. The funds raised will go directly towards the mission projects of MWI, supporting education, health, and community development initiatives that transform lives.

If you would like to learn more about MWIA – please visit https://mwia.org.au/

We are grateful to our staff, families, and students for their wholehearted support of this important day. In the words of Mary Ward, “Be seekers of truth and doers of justice.” Mission Day gives us the opportunity to live these words. 

Feast of Archangels – Michael, Raphael, Gabriel

St Michael and the Loreto Tradition

On 29 September each year, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels. The Archangels are Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. These heavenly messengers remind us of God’s closeness, protection and guidance in our lives. Of these, St Michael the Archangel has held a special place in the heart of the Loreto tradition. Known as the defender against evil, protector of God’s people, and champion of justice and truth, St Michael is woven into the very identity of Loreto schools worldwide.

The Bar Convent, York – 1696

The origins of this devotion can be traced back to The Bar Convent in York, England, in 1696. At that time, Catholics lived under persecution and Loreto sisters risked much in maintaining a convent and school. When a hostile mob gathered outside, threatening violence, the sisters feared for their lives.

In an act of courage and faith, Mother Frances Bedingfield, the leader of the convent, placed a picture of St Michael above the front door, entrusting the community to his protection. According to witnesses, an extraordinary vision was seen: a tall figure on a white horse, sword in hand, appeared above the convent. The mob dispersed in fear, leaving the convent unharmed.

From that moment, Loreto houses and schools around the world have honoured this story by keeping an image or statue of St Michael in their property, a visible sign of his guardianship.

A Living Tradition in Loreto Schools

Today, every Loreto school continues this practice. Our statue of St Michael is located in the Art Courtyard. 

The statue or image of St Michael is more than decoration - it is a reminder of Protection and Hope: just as St Michael defended the sisters at York, so too he is invoked to watch over our communities, as well as Courage and Justice: his presence calls us to defend what is right, speak truth with conviction, and protect the vulnerable.

For Our School Community

St Michael's presence asks us to consider:

How can I stand up for truth in my school and community?  

How do I protect and support those who are vulnerable?

How can our Loreto values of justice, sincerity, and courage be lived out daily?

On the Feast of the Archangels, we give thanks for St Michael’s protection and for the strength of the Loreto tradition that continues to inspire and guide us.

Our Liturgical Life 

This term our Chapel Mass has been hosted by out Reception and Year 1 students. They gathered in the Chapel to celebrate Mass, a special time of prayer and reflection. For many these students, Chapel Mass is a chance to enter into a sacred space for the first time. 

It is here that they are invited to learn more about the richness of our Catholic tradition, to take part in prayers, and to experience the quiet reverence that comes with being in God’s presence.

Central to our celebration is the Eucharist, which is at the heart of our faith. In sharing the bread and wine, we are reminded of Christ’s love and sacrifice, and of our call to live in unity and service with one another. The Eucharist is not only a ritual but a source of strength, grounding us in faith and sending us out to be people of compassion and hope.

We extend our sincere thanks to Fr Steve Curin SJ for celebrating Mass with us and guiding our students in their understanding of this important aspect of Catholic life. Thank you to all our families who also attended. Your presence helps our young people grow in faith and deepen their appreciation of the Eucharist.

Martina O’Connell 

Assistant Principal: Mission & Identity 

Year 10 SRM – My Walk a Mile in My Boots Campaign

In the final two weeks of Term 3, our Year 10 SRM students concluded their unit on Youth Homelessness in Australia with a powerful action project – joining the Walk a Mile in My Boots campaign. This initiative raised awareness and funds for the Hutt St Centre, which supports more than 6,000 people experiencing homelessness each year in South Australia.

Students formed a team, the LC Tens, and each created their own fundraising profile. They shared personal reflections on what they had learnt about the causes of youth homelessness, including poverty, family breakdown, domestic violence, and limited access to safe housing. By linking their walking to sponsorship, students invited family and friends to donate in solidarity.

Together, students designed digital flyers, created social media posts, and promoted their campaign widely. They also walked both in class and in their own time, recording their efforts to contribute to the team tally. Each mile walked became a symbol of empathy and advocacy – a reminder that even small steps can make a meaningful difference.

This campaign was chosen as the conclusion to our unit because it combined learning with action. After exploring the reality of youth homelessness and reflecting on Catholic Social Teaching, students recognised their calling not only to understand but to act.

Walking a mile together became an outward sign of their commitment to stand with those who are too often unseen, raising both awareness and hope. By walking, sharing, and fundraising, Year 10s lived out the message of compassion and justice, showing that faith and action truly belong side by side.

Nancy Rodi

Leader of Religious Education 7-12