From the Principal 

Celebrating the Class of 2026 

The final days of Year 12 are always significant, marking both the culmination of years at Loreto and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For the Class of 2026, this was an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their journey at the College.   

Our Graduation traditions hold a special place in the life of the College, bringing together students, families and staff to recognise not only what our young women have achieved, but also the people they have become. From the special breakfast shared by our Year 12 students to the Graduation Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Kelly SJ, there were opportunities to pray and give thanks to those who have supported them along the way. 

The Academic Awards recognised the breadth of student achievement, acknowledging scholarly excellence and sustained effort, community service and a genuine commitment to living out our Loreto values. These awards are an important reminder that success is measured in many ways, and that character and compassion matter just as much as academic achievement. 

Perhaps one of the most moving expressions of our Loreto spirit is the much-loved Rose Giving tradition. Watching our Year 12 students receive roses from their sisters and younger members of the College is a beautiful reminder of the friendships and joyful connections formed over many years. It is indeed a celebration of sisterhood that makes Loreto so much more than a place of learning. 

For our boarders and their families, the Year 12 Boarders’ Dinner at the Boarding House provided another special opportunity to celebrate their shared journey. The theme of Light and Lanterns created a beautiful setting in which to recognise the unique experiences and connections forged through boarding life, and the important place our boarding families hold within the College community. 

Finally, these celebrations came together at our Graduation Dinner, where day and boarding students and their families gathered to mark this significant milestone. The gymnasium was transformed into a beautiful setting, thanks to the thoughtfulness, generosity and extraordinary attention to detail of our Year 11 families. Their care and contribution made the evening truly memorable. 

In my address, I shared four things I hoped our graduates would carry with them: they do not need to be perfect to be extraordinary; they should have confidence in who they are, not simply what they can do; hearing 'no' does not make them any less worthy; and they should choose their values before the world chooses their priorities. I hope these lessons remain with our graduates as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of life beyond Loreto. 

As the Class of 2026 begins its next chapter, my hope is that each graduate has the confidence to be herself and the courage to embrace the opportunities ahead.  They now join the Loreto Old Scholars Association as its newest members, becoming part of a sisterhood connected by shared experiences and a commitment to Loreto values. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May you carry the spirit of Loreto with you wherever life takes you. 

Kylie McCullah 

Principal