PRINCIPAL’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,

through feedback, Teams chats, emails to ensure that the students felt confidence walking into the Ward Block for their HSC in October, and confident they were. The care they also demonstrated to each other, the younger students and staff will be long remembered by our school community – a very special year group indeed!

We congratulate our 2020 School Captain, Dux of the class of 2020 with an ATAR of 99.9. Our data informs us that the 2020 class included:

• 4 students with an ATAR over 99 • 21% of students with an ATAR over 97 • 30% of students with an ATAR over 95 • 60% of students with an ATAR over 90

Each year, the Sydney Morning Herald releases a ranking based on the number of Band 6/E4 results as a percentage of the overall number of examinations sat by Loreto Kirribilli students. In 2020, Loreto Kirribilli was placed 23rd overall, and was the top performing girls’ Catholic school in NSW second overall.

Despite the challenges faced, many activities which are a feature of our School community, continued throughout the year albeit in alternative forms. Those held online in the first part of the year showcased the creativity, commitment and ingenuity of members of our School community. Those held in the second part of the year were in a modified form determined by government guidelines for dealing with COVID-19.

Making a positive difference in the lives of others was a constant priority for our students and staff throughout the year. This was realised in many different forms, examples of which include raising much needed funds for Mary Ward International projects, hamper appeals, supporting children develop their reading skills through the Red Cross ‘Read to Read Program’, mask making for children’s hospitals, raising awareness of environmental sustainability as well as the enormous range of social justice works our girls engage in voluntarily outside of school hours.

The onset of COVID-19 saw us also modify the implementation of our strategic plan for 2020-2023 Inspired Minds: Catalysts for Change. However, we remained committed to its themes and this was evidenced by all we did through the year and detailed in Theme 10 where we outline our Priority Areas for Improvement.

Many of the activities and achievements published in this annual report, provide a brief glimpse into the day to day life of Loreto Kirribilli – a school of spirit. It is a blessing to belong to a school culture that is committed to excellence in all aspects of its operations, excellence fuelled by a passionate commitment for the students in our care. Our ideal is that each child is engaged, supported and challenged, promoting curiosity and a love of learning. Our students’ intellectual, personal and spiritual growth is our priority as we assist every student to embrace a growth mindset and realise personal success.

We believe that a Loreto Kirribilli education should, and does, offer “something more”. This something more focuses on developing learners who are highly successful, joyful and spirited, curious and reflective and who are inspired to use their gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity. Our students and graduates are a testament to the success of this ideal.