Class of 75 40 year reunion They came from all over Australia, as far away as Perth, for the 40th reunion of the Class of ‘75! And what a night it was – full of laughter, stories and memories. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and many old friendships were revisited or rekindled. An overwhelming comment was how friendly, welcoming and inclusive the group was and there were requests for annual or biennial get togethers. Thank you to all who helped organise and those who came to make it a wonderful evening.
Class of 65 50 year reunion The 50 year reunion of the Class of ’65 was a great success. Those who attended both the Seniors’ Reunion at the school, as well as our year group reunion really enjoyed the chance to catch up again and share precious stories and memories.
Seniors’ Reunion On Thursday 30 July, we welcomed over 60 of our Senior Past Pupils (graduating at least 50 years ago) back to the school for the annual Mass and celebration. Greeting the ladies as they arrived, our Year 8’s were enthralled by the stories of their time at Loreto, and the ladies were very generous in sharing their precious memories. One particular story touched our hearts as Beth Craddock (Goring 1951) exclaimed, “It’s like coming home… no really… Our house used to be where the Mary Ward Centre sits now”. The bottom floor of Cruci was abuzz with the excited sounds of reminiscing as the ladies enjoyed a beautiful High Tea provided by Chez Nous [Penny Vaitsas (1998) & Maria Nicolaou (Vaitsas 1994]. Also recognised fittingly on the day, was Mother Gonzaga Barry, the founder of the first Australian Loreto convent and school in Ballarat in 1875. A progressive and innovative educationalist, she founded Loreto convents and schools, kindergartens and teachers’ colleges around Australia. 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of her death and 140 years of Loreto in Australia. With a commemorative rose dedicated to her loving memory – an almost thornless Hybrid Tea Rose with deep raspberry red double blooms – our groundsman, Michael Mulcahy, has paid very special attention to giving these special buds pride of place at the school’s entry, with a commemorative plaque, blessed at the Semester 2 Mass, proudly placed in honour of Mother Gonzaga Barry.
Our eldest attendee, Patricia Toohey (Cleary 1943) & birthday girl Barbara Luttrell (Simpson 1963) cutting the cake
LPPA President Mrs Susan Milward
licious Enjoying a de
1) Beth Craddock (Goring 195 k Brin den van and Deb Senior past pupils mixing with girls from Year 8 Red
lunch
Christina Bougoure (Monro 1961) with fond memories of her days at Loreto
Loreto Chronicle – 19