Faith and Mission

From the Mission Team

 Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal

Mother Gonzaga Barry often wrote to her students and community reminding them to never forget those people who may need their help and support, in 1893 she wrote in her Letter to Children, in Eucalyptus Blossoms “Christmas is sad to those who were always poor, and never could have any of the good things of life. Think of these men and women who are hungry while you feast on luxuries, of the little children who have no gift to make their young hearts glad, this Christmas time; and for the sake of Him who came into this world as a little child in want and poverty, make some hearts rejoice over gifts, given from your abundance, or better still, from your self-denial or selfish gratification.” And with those words we are reminded that at this time of year there are many families in our neighbour hoods and state that are in need at this time of year. 

The Vinnies Christmas Hamper Appeal embodies the spirit of compassion and generosity, serving as a vital initiative for our school community to reach out to those in need during the festive season. In the true essence of Christmas, this initiative strives to bring joy and warmth to the less fortunate by providing them with essential items and festive treats. Beyond the exchange of material goods, the appeal fosters a sense of unity and empathy within our school, instilling values of kindness and social responsibility in our students. 

From Week 5 through to Week 7 both our Junior and Senior School will be collecting for this appeal. 

Junior School

Week 5: We will begin by collecting non-perishable Christmas foods for the hamper during A list will be available to see which essential items the 

WEEK 6 & 7 : will be dedicated to collecting gifts as follows:  

Reception and Year One - gift items suitable for babies and children. This could include: baby toys, soft toys, children’s books etc 

Year 2, 3, 4 – gifts for adults-Gift vouchers, body products, shampoos, shower gel, sunscreen and hat, towel. etc 

Year 5 and 6 - gifts suitable for teenagers -gift vouchers, cosmetics, K Mart voucher; bag, drink bottles, T shirts, beach items etc. 

The Social Justice leaders will visit classes with suggestions for food and gift ideas and there will be posters to promote this worthy appeal.  

We ask that, in this year of Justice, we promote this Appeal generously so that we can be of great service to those in our community who are doing it tough this year. 

Senior School

In the Senior School Year Levels will be allocated different items as follows, all donations can be handed into homeroom each day. 

Loreto UN 

This week, a passionate group of students from Year 7-11 embarked on a mission to create change. Inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and the Loreto and CJ NGO at the UN, they envisioned a club that would channel youthful energy toward understanding global issues and having their voice as young women heard. 

The focus of Loreto UN will be understanding fundamental Human Rights, how the Loreto/CJ seat at the UN works and informing our school community about its priorities. In the heart of the school, Loreto UN is emerging as a beacon of hope, proving that even small initiatives can ignite powerful waves of positive change.

We look forward to our first ‘Conversation Circle’ event in Week 6. 

Our Liturgical Life 

All Saints and All Souls Day liturgy 

In Week 4, the Year 5 students conducted a solemn liturgy to offer prayers for All Saints and All Souls Day. During the liturgy, the girls addressed their peers, emphasizing the significance of saints and how they can serve as exemplary figures for us. Additionally, two students shared the saints they had selected for their Confirmation earlier in the year, providing insight into why these saints inspired them. Through this liturgy, we came to understand that we all have the potential to embody saintly qualities by treating one another with kindness and compassion. 

Remembrance Day 

On Friday morning of this Week 4, a meaningful liturgy took place to honour Remembrance Day. Guided by Year 3 students, the girls gained insight into the importance of this day. Beginning the liturgy with a symbolic procession, the girls wore poppies and brought forth, rosemary, a soldier’s hat, and candles ahead of the Book of the Gospels.  

Following the Last Post, all students respectfully observed a one-minute silence and participated in the recitation of the Ode.