T (07) 3394 9999 Absentee Line (07) 3394 9964 E email@loreto.qld.edu.au W www.loreto.qld.edu.au PO Box 1726 Coorparoo DC Qld 4151
Volume 7 - 10 March, 2015 Dear Parents & Students On Sunday 8 March, the world celebrated International Women’s Day, the theme of which this year is #Make It Happen. On this day (and during this week) we especially look for opportunities to celebrate women’s achievements and join the call for greater equality. As a Loreto school we particularly look to celebrate the achievements of Mary Ward International Australia’s projects which have empowered women to gain an education, generate income and support one another in the mission to seek truth and do justice. Mary Ward International, MWIA, is passionate about promoting gender equality and empowering women. For more information visit:
History of International Women’s Day Early 1900s – Great unrest and critical debate across the globe. Women marched in cities throughout the world demanding suffrage and equal working rights. 1910 – Second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. Idea for an International Women’s Day proposed was unanimously accepted. 1911 – International Women’s Day (IWD) honoured for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.
www.mwia.org.au/ourwork/projects/ It is wonderful to see the efforts of our students in support of MWIA. Last week Barry House held a successful fundraiser day “Barry’s Bonza BBQ” raising an impressive $1241.45 to assist the Loreto Sisters and MWIA with their vitally important work for women, children and justice. I congratulate and thank the Barry House Leaders and Captains Kate O’Sullivan and Georgia Johnson.
1975 – This year was designated ‘International Women’s Year’ by the United Nations. 1977 – The UN General Assembly invited member states to honour IWD on 8 March each year. 1979 – The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) adopted by the UN General Assembly.
VERITY
I offer my sincere thanks to the Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane, for the excellent Verity Oration he gave at last 2000s – IWD is celebrated by more than 100 countries week’s annual Council Dinner. In the words of Mary Clarke, immediate around the world. It is considered a national holiday in Past President of the Loreto Past Pupils’ Association, “The Oration by more than 25 countries. His Grace was stunning in its discernment of Mary and her complete trust in God. By viewing all things through this prism she therefore formed a sense of what is true. I found solace in his assessment that she should certainly be a Saint for her impeccable life! Especially in this week of honouring women internationally, he explained that she is a model for all people, for all ages and creeds and all periods of history. He linked her thoughts and actions with those deeds we are impelled to carry out Scripture. In this way Mary consolidated her claim of always acting through the Catholic Church and acting with truth on Christ’s word.” His address provided many insightful understandings for those present on the notion of Mary Ward’s emphasis on Verity. I also offer my thanks to the Chair of Council, Mrs Diane Bukowski and the School Leadership Team who hosted the event in my regrettable and unfortunate absence. Particular thanks also to the Year 9 special helpers and Mrs Gail Newman and her team for their wonderful efforts.
Justice
Freedom
VERITY
Sincerity
Felicity