Faith and Mission
From the Mission and Identity Team
Mary Ward’s ‘Circle of Friends’ Grows Deeper!
In Term 1, Year 10 Loreto girls from across Australia take part in Mary Ward Connect. Mary Ward Connect is an exchange program between Loreto schools in Australia. It began in 2009 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Mary Ward. The Mary Ward Connect exchange program was initiated by the Loreto Schools Australia Committee (LSAC). Its mission is to strengthen the Mary Ward charism and to build connections and friendships between all Loreto and Loreto associated schools. This Year Loreto Marryatville students visited Loreto Coorparoo and Loreto Kirribilli, whilst Marryatville played host to the visiting schools. As part of this year’s activities, all schools joined together on line to learn more about the 150 Year celebrations that will mark the anniversary of Loreto’s establishment in Australia. Read some reflections from our students below.
Hosting Mary Ward Connect at Loreto Marryatville
On Tuesday 5th of March after school the Loreto Coorparoo and Loreto Kirribilli girls arrived at Loreto Marryatville. We started off by introducing ourselves to the girls and their teachers. You can definitely tell that Loreto girls have lots in common and are great at socialising! On the first night we had pizza in the Felicity Café. This is where we could really start to bond with the girls. After we finished dinner, we took them on a tour around our beautiful campus. Whilst on the tour, we discussed the similarities and differences between our Loreto schools. Day two the girls got to experience a regular day with us at Marryatville. On day three, we were ecstatic as we were able to go on an excursion to the city. First, we started off by going to The South Australian Museum and part-taking in an escape room, problem solving as a team. Next, we explored the city and hit our favourite spots! Finally, our goodbyes, it really hit us to know that we won’t be able to see them around school again, however we will always keep in contact with all of them and we now have made some lifelong Loreto friends in other parts of Australia.
Ava C and Albina M, Year 10
Our Travels to Coorparoo
On Tuesday 5th of March 2024, we had the opportunity to embark on a journey to Brisbane to embrace the Mary Ward Connect journey. We spent the remaining of the week at Loreto Coorparoo with our fellow Loreto girls alongside Loreto Kirribilli, as well as both Mr Jones and Ms Carey. Throughout our stay in Brisbane, we were able to form friendships and life-long memories that we would cherish forever, alongside many new opportunities like visiting places for the first time, such as Southbank or embracing the culture of another Loreto school. Over time, it felt as though we were a part of Loreto Coorparoo as they had been so welcoming towards us and it had also felt we had known the Kirribilli girls for years. The four days we had spent with each other were amazing and we are so grateful for the opportunity that was given to us. It was truly an amazing experience which will be remembered for a long time.
Sonia M, Year 10
Our Liturgical Life
Our junior school students gathered together, in our liturgy for Harmony Day. During the Liturgy we celebrated the vibrant mosaic of students in our community and our world. Students read prayers that embraced diversity, and reflected the diverse languages, and traditions that make our school a rich community. Our students sang the song ‘Rainbow’ beautifully where the words of the song reflected the beauty of inclusivity in our world. Well done Year 4 for leading us in this wonderful liturgy.
Year 6 students celebrated St Joseph’s Day, on Tuesday March 19. The day celebrates the life of St. Joseph, "the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, foster father of Jesus Christ, and patron of the universal Catholic Church. The mass was celebrated by Fr Chris Jenkins. The girls joined in with prayer where they remembered the importance of St Joseph in the life of Jesus and the importance of father figures in the life of the family.
Holy Week and Easter
This week marks Holy Week, a significant time for Christians to reflect on the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, death, and resurrection. On Holy Thursday a Holy Week liturgy was held for Junior and Senior Students. During this liturgy, our students reflected on the final journey that Jesus took to the cross and the students and staff were invited to reflect on the meaning of the days of Holy Week in their own lives and the lives of others.
As we move into the celebration of Easter, we wish that the light of hope and renewal will fill your heart and home. Let Easter be a reminder of new beginnings, of joy overcoming sorrow, and of love conquering all. May you find peace in the promise of resurrection and may the beauty of this season bring you closer to those you cherish. Finally, we wish you a Happy and Joyful Easter.
Project Compassion
Our Junior and Senior schools are busily preparing for Purple Day on Monday April 8th.
This will be a day that focuses on Caritas and the work of Project Compassion.
Students are encouraged to wear something Purple on this day for a gold coin donation.
At lunchtime the Junior and Senior school students will hold a ‘Mercato’ on both campuses, where various items will be for sale. Students will also be able to learn about the vital projects that allow Caritas to transform the lives of people living in poverty.
To learn more about the vital work of Project Compassion - Support Memory's Community | Project Compassion 2024 (caritas.org.au)
Ms Martina O'Connell
Assistant Principal: Mission and Identity