Timeless Tales A Family Journey from Past to Present

First Generation – Gaye Cowen: Loreto in the 1940s

In the mid-1940s, Loreto witnessed the joy of Gabrielle Cowen, affectionately known as Gaye, who was Emily’s great-grandmother. Gaye’s time at Loreto, around 1944 and 1945, left a lasting mark on her. She fondly recalled Loreto’s triumph in a basketball tournament that captured the attention of the prestigious Archbishop Duhig Shield. Gaye’s memories also included the celebration of the end of World War II, which etched a special place in her heart. Alongside her cousin, Madeleine Dowling, Gaye formed lifelong bonds within the Loreto community. She also remembers Ann Toakley (nee Staley), a fellow student and basketball teammate who held the position of head girl. Gaye’s tales offer a glimpse into a remarkable era at Loreto, where athletic achievements and historic moments shaped the experiences of its students.

Second Generation – Siobhan Simmons: Loreto in 1967

Siobhan Simmons, Emily’s grandmother, experienced a culture shock when she entered Loreto’s gates in 1967. Hailing from England, she found herself in a school that seemed a bit ancient, with strict uniform rules and unconventional practices. Siobhan vividly remembered the uniforms that had to touch the ground when kneeling and the mandatory bloomers worn during sports to prevent any embarrassment. Despite these challenges, Siobhan cherished her time at Loreto, describing it as a “lovely school where everyone was kind and welcoming – the nuns were especially caring”. Siobhan also recalls when her mother was introduced to pavlova and passionfruit by some of the Loreto mums – “we were delighted!”.

Third Generation – Rebecca Saul: Loreto in 1998

In 1998, Rebecca Saul, Emily’s aunt, entered Loreto during the era of the Barry Ballerinas. Rebecca vividly remembered the spirited house themes that characterised her two years in grades 11 and 12. Barry house donned tutus and danced their way through athletics days, cross country events and swimming carnivals, in which Rebecca loved competing. Rebecca also cherished the pirate-themed celebrations of the Barry Buccaneers in 1999, which created lasting memories for everyone. Amidst the sports and house spirit, Rebecca’s most cherished memory was the delectable “chocolate-covered macadamia cookies” sold in the Loreto tuckshop, which she stated, “were the best thing in the whole tuckshop”.

Fourth Generation – Emily Saul: Continuing the Legacy

Emily Saul, current Year 9 student at Loreto, represents the fourth generation. Reflecting on her family’s history, Emily acknowledges the differences between the Loreto she attends today and the experiences of her previous three generations. Nevertheless, she recognises that Loreto’s values and spirit endure, leaving an everlasting impact on its students. Emily emphasises that each Loreto girl in her family, despite facing their own hardships, emerged into adulthood with a strong sense of Loreto values and personal spirit. She views the Loreto women in her family as living proof of Mary Ward’s legacy and a testament to the belief that every girl can make a difference in the world. From a war-torn Australia to the revolutionary attitudes of the 60s and the turn of the millennium, Loreto has consistently remained a pillar of strength. Emily concludes that Loreto becomes a part of who you are, shaping the character of every girl who passes through its doors – “it truly goes to show that you can take the girl out of Loreto, but you can’t take the Loreto out of the girl”