From the Principal 

Celebrating 150 Years of Loreto Education – A Living Legacy 

Last week, we continued celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 150 years of Loreto education in Australia and South-East Asia, and 120 years of Loreto College Marryatville. These anniversaries are not just markers of time; they are reminders of the stories, communities, and generations of women shaped by the spirit of Mary Ward. 

As I reflected during the official opening of the Faithful to Grace traveling exhibition, here at Marryatville, I was drawn to the courage of Mother Gonzaga Barry and her nine companions, who left Ireland in 1875 to begin a mission of education in a distant land. Their legacy lives not only in bricks and mortar, but in the hearts and minds transformed by their vision. They believed in the power of education for girls, long before it was a mainstream idea, and they acted with fierce conviction and quiet faith. 

Today, that same spirit lives on in our students. Our beautiful Heritage Day Mass was a sacred moment of connection across generations, rich with symbolism, memory, and gratitude. I thank the many members of our community who contributed to this moving celebration. 

The Faithful to Grace exhibition itself is a stunning visual testament to Loreto’s national story. At its centre are seven three-metre-tall mannequins, each dressed in a bespoke skirt representing one of the Australian Loreto schools. These skirts are extraordinary artistic expressions, each uniquely capturing the spirit of its school community through tributes to First Nations peoples, architectural features, student life, and significant achievements. Each school also contributed a Perspex box inspired by the theme "planets, pearls and possibilities"—a striking symbol of collective creativity and hope for the future.  

We also had the joy of witnessing the immense talent of four Year 10 students who performed Serious Business, a reimagining of Sr Veronica Brady’s centenary work. Their performance was not only moving and thought-provoking, but a powerful reminder that our story is still being written, by young women with something important to say. 

And just when it seemed the celebrations couldn’t be more heartfelt, last Sunday our wider community came together for Loreto Community Day. From joyful reunions to shared laughter, games and refreshments, it was a testament to the enduring bonds that unite Loreto families—past and present. My sincere thanks to everyone who made the day such a success. 

As we move forward, may we continue to be inspired by the courage of our founders, the creativity of our students, and the strength of our Loreto community. And may we, too, strive to be faithful to grace, ready to dream boldly and act courageously in our own time. 

Kylie McCullah 

Principal