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LO R E TO K I R R I B I LLI 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
p ri n ci pa l’s message We will be forever grateful for the spirit of hope, optimism and goodwill which is so ingrained within our Loreto Kirribilli culture; strongly influencing the way in which we transitioned from the normality of school life to one that was rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19. We navigated our way through uncharted waters together, facing challenges unprecedented in our living memories. We rose above potential fear and anxiety, remaining calm, wellinformed and socially responsible. Our staff rapidly adapted, developing an excellent remote (on-line) learning environment which included wellbeing resources for our students’ spiritual, academic and physical needs. The student leaders, although understandably focused on their HSC, pulled together LK news editions and on-line activities to elicit joy and laughter, supporting the girls’ need for connection and creating a sense of normalcy and familiarity. On reflection, it was surreal to move from the energy of our usual Term 1 events and experiences to an Australia-wide lockdown in an attempt to flatten the infection curve. The joy felt by all as we returned to face-to-face, onsite learning in Term 2, will be another memory we will all hold dear. We are so grateful to our students and their families for the way they supported one another and the staff throughout these difficult times, demonstrating resilience and a determination to manage the complexities confronting them. However, the School Executive and Board extend our most profound thanks to the teachers and support staff for the way in which they responded to the challenges faced, looking for every opportunity to learn from these experiences as we all journeyed forward into what many described as the new normal. The Year 12 Class of 2020 are admired for the way in which they responded to the tumultuous year and how they approached the most unusual of HSC examinations. We were so impressed with their sheer grit and commitment, utilising all the additional resources and support offered to them whilst maintaining the goals they have set for themselves for their future. They grasped with both hands the opportunities to learn wherever and whenever they could; extended library hours in the afternoons and on weekends, bookable teachers, mock exams, seminar week, learning coaches and more. Their teachers worked tirelessly to support them through online learning,
