Mission and Identity

From the Mission and Identity Team

Heritage Day Mass: A Celebration of 150 Years of Loreto in Australia

Last Thursday, our school community gathered in joyful reflection and gratitude for our Heritage Day Mass, marking 150 years of Loreto education in Australia. It was a special moment, not just in our school year, but in our shared story as a Loreto community; a story that began in 1875 when Mother Gonzaga Barry and her companions arrived in Ballarat with a bold dream: to educate girls in the spirit of Mary Ward.

The Mass brought together students, staff, parents, and members of our broader Loreto family to give thanks for the courage, faith, and determination of the Loreto Sisters whose legacy lives on in our college community. Their legacy has shaped generations of women and communities across the nation, and their spirit continues to inspire us to lead with justice, verity, felicity, freedom, and sincerity.

The First Reading, the well-loved passage of the Woman of Valour from the Book of Proverbs, honoured the dignity, wisdom, and strength of women, a fitting tribute to the Loreto Sisters and to all the women who have benefitted from their education. It was a beautiful reminder of the type of woman we strive to nurture: women who are compassionate, courageous, faithful, and committed to justice.

The Gospel reading chosen for our Mass, from Matthew 7:21, 24–25, reminded us that those who hear God’s word and act upon it are “like a wise person who built their house on rock..” This Scripture speaks directly to the legacy of Mother Gonzaga Barry, whose vision, grounded in faith and courage, laid the strong foundations for Loreto education in Australia. Her words “Leave after you something on which others may build”, continue to guide us. The Loreto community, and generations of young women who have followed are a reflection of the strength and depth of that foundation.  Our Heritage Day Mass was not only a remembrance of the past, but it is also a celebration of who we are now as part of a global Loreto network. 

As part of our 150-year celebrations, our school opened its doors to the wider community through a series of special events that honoured our rich history and vibrant present. Guests were invited to explore the 150-Year “Being faithful to Grace" travelling exhibition, featuring a stunning collection of gowns, each uniquely crafted to tell the story of every Loreto school in Australia. Visitors also engaged with the ‘Perspex Box Project’, where each Loreto school responded creatively to the theme “Planets, Pearls and Possibilities”, offering a window into the hopes, values, and imagination of our students. Alongside this, our Art Exhibition celebrated 120 years of Loreto education in Marryatville, showcasing the talent and spirit of our students across the decades. 

We are especially fortunate to be joined by Loreto Sister, Sr Sandra Perrett, whose original vision inspired the ‘Being faithful to Grace’ exhibition. During her two-week stay, Sr Sandra has been offering deep insights, shared treasured stories, and has been reminding us of the enduring spirit that has shaped Loreto education for generations.

Martina O’Connell 

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity