loreto kirribilli Number 88, April 2022
loreto.nsw.edu.au
• justice • sincerity • verity • felicity • freedom • justice • sincerity • verity • felicity • freedom •
Class of 2021 Morning Tea
Year 12 Geography Excursion
Kindergarten First Day
Year 11 Bucket Giving
First Day
Class of 2021 Jubilarian Ceremony
Junior School Tutu Day 2.2.22
Circle Classes resume
Junior School Freedom of Spirit Assembly
Year 7 Orientation Day
Junior School Opening Mass
Class of 2021 Formal
Senior School Library Lovers' Day
Year 7 Council Leaders Lunchtime Activities
Year 7 Friendship Day
Kindergarten Getting to Know You
Class of 2021 Dux Assembly
Senior School Shrove Tuesday
Senior School Water Ballet Rehearsal
Kindergarten Literacy
2021 HSC Equal First in Course Mathematics Advanced
Ash Wednesday
Freedom of Spirit Launch Assembly
Year 12 Common Room Opening
Mary Ward Connect
Senior School Spelling Bee Flood Fundraiser
Father Daughter Mass
Year 7 Visual Arts Excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW
P&F Sausage Sizzle
K-12 Opening School Mass
Companions in Learning International Women's Day
Year 7 History Excursion Chau Chak Wing Museum
Year 7 Mass
Junior School Crazy Hair Day
Junior School K-2 Dance
Junior School Character Building Day
Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking
Year 11 Chemistry students teach Year 7 Science
Feast of the Annunciation
Junior School Swimming Carnival
Junior School Holy Week Liturgy
Senior School Easter Liturgy
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Loreto Kirribilli
contents THE PRINCIPAL
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SHARING OUR FAITH
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SPIRITUS - A CENTRE FOR INNOVATION
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
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CLASS OF 2021 - HSC RESULTS
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CLASS OF 2021 - DUX
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SUSTAINABLE SPIRIT
CLASS OF 2021 - GRADUATION DINNER
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Loreto Kirribilli has always managed its resources carefully with the future in mind. Our Spirit magazine is available both digitally and in printed hard copy.
JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNING
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SENIOR SCHOOL LEARNING
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STUDENT WELLBEING
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LISTENING CIRCLES
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COMPANIONS IN LEARNING
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DANCE NIGHT
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
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SENIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
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WATER BALLET
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SPORT
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ROWING
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR
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STUDENT ADVOCACY
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FUTURE OF LEARNING
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DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
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PARENTS & FRIENDS
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LK CONNECT
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EX-STUDENTS' UNION
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SHARING OUR COMMUNITY
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EX-STUDENTS' NEWS
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DIGITAL
The digital magazine format is automatically emailed to you at the email address we have on file for you. HARD COPY
We will continue to also mail a printed version to you, unless you opt out. If you are happy to receive and read your Spirit digitally, please opt out of the print version. TO OPT OUT OF RECEIVING A PRINTED COPY BY MAIL
Opt out by contacting us via: • email info@loreto.nsw.edu.au • phone +61 2 9957 4722 • mail C ommunications Office Loreto Kirribilli 85 Carabella Street Kirribilli NSW 2061 You only need to opt out once. Note: We will continue to send you each issue until you opt out.
Contributions for inclusion in Spirit should be sent to: Communications at Loreto Kirribilli 85 Carabella Street, Kirribilli NSW 2061 Phone +61 2 9957 4722 communications@loreto.nsw.edu.au Cover: 2.22pm on 22.2.2022 ... 'tutu' day in the Junior School
The Principal mrs anna dickinson This edition of Spirit begins on a very sad note. You may be aware of the recent passing of two much loved members of our Loreto Kirribilli community. Our former Head of Junior School, Ms Alison Brent, entered eternal life on Holy Thursday after fighting a long and brave battle with cancer and is now at peace in God’s loving hands. Alison’s extraordinary love, spirit, deep faith and positive energy impacted the lives of so many, including students, staff, families and broader community members, and we pray for all at this very sad time. We especially pray for Alison’s family. Alison’s amazing strength of character, courage and resilience have been an inspiration to us all. We also grieve the loss of Sr Genevieve Davey ibvm, one of our much-loved Loreto Sisters. Sr Genevieve held a very special place in her heart for Loreto Kirribilli, always keeping teachers and students in her prayers. She was dearly loved by her extended family, the Loreto Sisters, ex-students and staff members. We pray for Alison, Sr Genevieve, and all Loreto women, present and past, who inspire us daily. While difficult in such sad circumstances, I do wish to make comment on our first term for 2022. It began in a rather unusual way with the release of our 2021 HSC results in the Christmas vacation, the release delayed because of the late start to
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the examination period last year. Each year I reflect on why Loreto Kirribilli continues to be so successful in the HSC, and I again concluded that it is our wonderful learning culture, where our students are engaged, supported and challenged, and our exceptional teachers who demonstrate their expertise and passion for teaching and learning each and every day. These contributed to a success which meant that our school was once again the highest-performing Catholic school in NSW, based on the rankings published in The Sydney Morning Herald which placed us 21st in the state overall. Our warmest congratulations are extended to all students, and to their families who supported them. This learning culture is evident in so many ways and extends to the very practical, which saw us return seamlessly to a new school year with important COVID-19 restrictions still in place. We now live in what is often termed ‘the new normal’. A wonderful and caring team of staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that optimal and safe learning conditions exist for both students and staff. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we are experiencing the return of opportunities afforded to us prior to the pandemic in 2020. Many of these are detailed in this edition of Spirit. Events and school activities assumed a special significance as we were able to return to face-to-face connection, examples including our
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P&F Cocktail Party, attended by over 700 people, our Father Daughter Mass, with the Centenary Hall filled to capacity, and a range of spirited events such as Senior School Dance Night and the Junior and Senior School Swimming Carnivals. One event which has been most significant has been the naming of our new Innovation Centre. In preparation for the Blessing and Opening, we asked the Class of 2020 a number of years ago to suggest an official name for our new building, taking into account its purpose within the context of our own school. The girls understood that the purpose of this new building is to inspire innovative practices in learning and teaching. When they were brainstorming ideas, the Class of 2020 kept reinforcing that we describe our school as a “school of spirit”. We are a school that is inspired to achieve above and beyond in everything we do - in our faith life, in our extra-curricular life and in our academic pursuits. Therefore, with all of these factors being taken into consideration, we have finally arrived at a name for the building. We are planning to use the Latin word for spirit as our name - ‘SPIRITUS’. Spiritus means ‘the breath of life’ and it is also used to denote the Holy Spirit, Spiritus Sanctus, who inspires us to go out into the world and make a positive difference, the purpose of a Loreto education. We look forward to the wonderful learning which will take
place in Spiritus over the many years to come.
a positive difference in the lives of others.
Our strategic plan Inspired Minds - Catalysts for Change 2020-2023 has continued to guide the implementation of a number of strategic initiatives which you will find within this edition of Spirit. Some of these initiatives include our Companions in Learning program with St Aloysius’; our Tax-Deductible Bursary Fund; and our commitment to environmental stewardship, with our students assuming a role for the first time as members of our School Board Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee. These initiatives and many more keep us focused on preparing our students for leadership in a rapidly changing future.
Readers of Spirit will know that each year we focus on a particular Loreto value. This year it is Freedom of Mind and Spirit. I quote from the Loreto Schools of Australia Mission Statement: “The qualities of freedom, justice and sincerity are at the core of Mary Ward’s spirit. Her most profound understanding of freedom was grounded in her sense of personal relationship with God, her belief that each one of us, in our ordinary experiences of life, has access to God’s loving care. This is the truth that sets us free. It is an inner freedom, accepting of self, open to others and trusting in life.”
This term we will celebrate two wonderful Mary Ward women who held leadership positions at Loreto Kirribilli in our Senior and Junior Schools in the 1980s. Sr Margaret Honner ibvm and Sr Helen Maguire ibvm joined the Loreto Sisters 60 years ago and inspired the lives of many students and staff both as leaders of our school community and through the vital work they have engaged in since that time, continuing to make
prayer God of Freedom, give us the courage and confidence to live referring all to You. May we learn to know ourselves, and be the face of hope for others. May we grow in inner freedom, and share this gift together. May we say yes to the wholeness of life, and choose the good each day.
Our desire each year is to bring this value to life through prayer, word, symbol and action. I sincerely believe that the many events described in this edition of Spirit demonstrate our success in doing so.
Grounded in our Loreto story and by the faith of Mary Ward, may we act not out of fear but solely from love, responding with justice to her call, to bring the right of freedom to our world.
Our prayer seems most appropriate as we mourn the passing of Alison and Sr Genevieve and celebrate their contribution to Loreto Kirribilli. Both gave witness to our Freedom prayer throughout their lives.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus who leads us with love and shows us how to be truly free. Amen
God bless each member of our community.
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Sharing Our Faith SISTER GENEVIEVE DAVEY IBVM 1928-2022 Sr Genevieve Davey ibvm was a muchloved member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary community and a familiar figure around the Loreto Kirribilli campus which she made her home for more than 30 years. Sr Genevieve had a presence, with a formidable list of achievements that belied her diminutive stature and mild, gracious manner. Born in Ballarat, Victoria in 1928, Genevieve - or Mary Cecily as she was known then - was the tenth of 11 children to parents William and Kathleen Davey. Education was of prime importance to her parents and Genevieve first attended St. Joseph’s parish school, run by Loreto nuns, and afterwards Loreto College. After school, Genevieve embarked on teacher training, and, deciding to enter religious life, joined the Loreto Sisters as a novice in 1946. She made her First Vows in 1948, taking the religious name of Genevieve with the motto 'The love of Christ urges me on'. Thus began her vocation as an educator and pastoral carer which spanned more than half a century. In that time, Sr Genevieve completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, a Diploma of Educational Administration, was Principal of St. Joseph’s in Ballarat and Loreto College Portland, and was instrumental in the establishment of the ecumenical, co-educational secondary school Christian Community College (now Bayview College).
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The love of Christ urges me on. Sr Genevieve was keen to promote the study of Science at Loreto schools and introduced a new program in Biology at Mandeville Hall in the 1960s. While at Portland in the 1980s, Sr Genevieve arranged housing, furniture, food and clothing for the wave of Vietnamese refugees who arrived by boat after the Vietnam war. During her time in Brisbane, Sr Genevieve helped create a volunteer school for disadvantaged students, a project she embraced with her usual gusto, achieving heartening results. In 1992, the centenary year of the Loreto sisters coming to Sydney, Sr Genevieve curated the centenary display at Loreto Kirribilli and took on the role as Archivist as a result. She combined this with pastoral work with the frail and elderly in the inner city suburbs of Redfern and Waterloo. Sr Genevieve was a true Mary Ward woman, a seeker of truth and a doer of justice, giving ‘something more than ordinary’ in her long and faith-filled life.
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Sharing Our Faith Ms Alison Brent 1960-2022 The school community gathered on 28 April 2022 for a Memorial Mass to celebrate the life of Alison Brent, who was an extraordinary woman and a true Mary Ward leader. More than 500 students, staff and families gathered in Centenary Hall for a faith-filled Mass led by Fr Richard Leonard SJ, to honour the contribution Alison made as Head of Junior School for 14 years.
"Alison’s positive, caring nature was a gift to the thousands of students in the Junior and Senior school who benefited from her exceptional leadership. She led the Junior School with love, prioritising the students’ spiritual and personal wellbeing and their overall success as learners. Every child was important to Alison, and she had an amazing capacity to know every child’s name. "In recent years it has been her amazing strength of character, her courage and her resilience which have been an inspiration to us all an extraordinary woman, and a true Mary Ward leader." Anna Dickinson Principal “Alison loved being around people... her gift was her ability to make everyone know that they are special. It was in the way she looked at you when she spoke, her listening eyes, the way she moved around the corridors, the sound of her shoes, her laugh, the winks, the positivity... “Alison, you may not be with us, but you will never be forgotten by each of us in our own way. Thank you for bringing so much joy, magic and, of course, your special smile and sparkle into our world.” Linda Walburn Assistant Head of Junior School
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Sharing Our Faith Grant me O Lord the freedom to refer all to you - for only in your gift realised and returned are we made fully free. MARY WARD 2022 - OUR YEAR OF FREEDOM OF SPIRIT
Each year we focus on a value, bringing it to life through prayer, word, symbol and action. This year Loreto Schools around Australia will focus on the value of Freedom of Spirit. Quoting from the Loreto Schools of Australia Mission statement: “The qualities of freedom, justice and sincerity are at the core of Mary Ward’s spirit. Her most profound understanding of freedom was grounded in her sense of personal relationship with God, her belief that each one of us, in our ordinary experiences of life, has access to God’s loving care. This is the truth that sets us free. It is an inner freedom, accepting of self, open to others and trusting in life.” YEAR OF FREEDOM LAUNCH
The Senior School Student Executive introduced the Year of Freedom of Spirit at a special Launch Assembly in the Hall, with an entertaining ‘Search for Freedom’ video followed by the unveiling of the Freedom Flame, symbolised by a campfire. “Each flame of the campfire is unique, representing the unique qualities of the Loreto community, and the way we come together to create something aweinspiring,” explained First Councillor Audrey Soo. “The campfire is a reminder of the generosity and warmth we have to offer to each other both in and out of the school grounds,” added
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Gemma Chittendon. School Captain Greta Perrignon told the assembled students and staff, “In this year of Freedom, we want to ignite all of our inner flames, so that we can see every single person in this school shine.”
to be hiding in many different places before he was found, Captain Olivia Massey explained, “Freedom of spirit is really daring yourself to try new things and find your inner sparkle.”
The Junior School Captains launched their Year of Freedom with a new mascot, Frankie the Freedom Frog, at a special Friday Assembly. After a long search for Frankie, who seemed
Vice Captain Amelie Elias added, “Frankie is here to remind us that in the Year of Freedom we must be like frogs, and take those leaps of faith, and bounce back.”
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Sharing Our Faith
IGNATIAN INTERSCHOOL FORUM
Our students joined their peers from St Aloysius' College and Saint Ignatius' College Riverview at the Ignatian Interschool Forum to engage in meaningful discussion relevant to young people today, through the lens of Ignatian spirituality. The Year 11 students spent the afternoon in conversation on the topic of solidarity. There were some deeply touching personal stories of solidarity shared.
OPENING SCHOOL MASS
Our K-12 Opening School Mass symbolised the official commencement of the school year. It was wonderful to once again gather as a school community in prayer, worship and celebration. Celebrant Fr Nico Lariosa SJ blessed our new Freedom of Spirit Candle and reflected on the words of the Gospel, 'the truth will set you free'.
MARY WARD WOMEN FOR 60 YEARS
Starting at Loreto Kirribilli in the same class in the Junior School, Sr Helen Maguire ibvm and Sr Margaret Honner ibvm joined the Loreto Sisters together 60 years ago in May 1962. They have lived and worked across Australia and overseas, often together. In the 1980s Helen and Margaret were together again as Principals of the Kirribilli Junior and Senior Schools respectively. This was a great time of joy, reconnecting with old friends, some of them parents in the school (now grandparents of current students)! The sisters reflected, "We are proud of the way our school continues the Mary Ward spirit and very proud of the fine young Loreto women we meet and connect with today. For all that has been, thanks.”
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Sharing Our Faith
CRAZY HAIR DAY
FLOOD FUNDRAISER SPELLING BEES
Witty, wild and wonderful hairstyles were the order of the day at the Junior School Crazy Hair Day! This fundraising event was organised by the students to assist flood-impacted communities in New South Wales.
In response to the devastation of the March floods, the Senior School Student Executive organised a Student vs Teachers Spelling Bee to raise funds for the affected communities. This epic spelling battle was followed by a similar contest in the Junior School, with young spelling wizards battling it out with the Junior School staff in a contest that included tongue-twisters like 'discombobulate' and 'onomatopoeia'!
PANCAKE TUESDAY
UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
In a Shrove Tuesday tradition, our Senior School Leaders organised the annual Pancake Sale, donning food preparation masks and gloves and serving hundreds of helpings of pancakes, with jam, maple syrup and whipped cream! Funds raised went to 2022 Project Compassion.
JPIC Human Rights Councillors Danielle Butt, Lucinda Mann and Raphaela Walker joined students from St Aloysius' College to attend the United Nations International Women's Day lunch together. The theme of the lunch was 'Changing Climates: Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow'. The theme recognises the contribution of women and girls around the world who are working to change the climate of gender inequality and build a sustainable future. “This is a theme that resonated with us,” explained Raphaela, “and validates our efforts of striving for a sustainable future within our school.”
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Sharing Our Faith
FIRST EUCHARIST
Pope Francis describes First Eucharist as ‘the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Jesus’. Students of Years 3 & 4 received their First Eucharist in December 2021 at St Mary’s Church in North Sydney, at a special celebration that the girls and their families will cherish and remember. Thank you to Father Ramesh Richards SJ, who celebrated Mass, the parents of the first communicants and their teachers for supporting and preparing the girls.
YEAR 7 FAMILY MASS
After weeks of rain, bright Autumn sunshine greeted our Year 7 students and their families as they attended Mass together in our beautiful Chapel. Afterwards, parents enjoyed a social morning tea in the Rose Garden. Fr Nico Lariosa SJ celebrated this Mass for us, with prayerful participation and joyful singing by all present.
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Sharing Our Faith
MARY WARD CONNECT
Each year, Year 10 students from our Australian Loreto schools are involved in the Mary Ward Connect program run by the Loreto Schools of Australia Committee (LSAC). This year, students were fortunate to hear from some remarkable members of the Mary Ward network globally, provincially, and nationally. The keynote speakers included Sr Noelle Corscadden ibvm, Dr Elaine McDonald and students from Ireland, Sr Pat Hanvey ibvm (Zambia), Sr Patricia McLaughlin (Peru) as well as Clare Wood and Susannah Wallman (WA). These inspiring Mary Ward women leaders spoke about the experience of education for girls in various parts of the world and how this education leads to the transformation of whole communities.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Staff and students marked the first day of Lent with reflection, prayer and the distribution of ashes during our Ash Wednesday Liturgies, while launching Project Compassion with the theme “For all Future Generations”. Through Project Compassion, Caritas partners with people in the Asia-Pacific to develop their independence and support the human dignity of every person. ARCHBISHOP’S LUNCH
Our School Leaders attended a lunch hosted by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP at St Mary's Cathedral House, where students from Catholic schools around Sydney were asked to explore how we can continue to grow the local church, under the topic 'Community Life as a Young Catholic'.
SR JWAN KADA LUNCHTIME TALK
To mark International Women's Day, students gathered to hear inspirational speaker Sr Jwan Kada discuss the plight of women and girls in the Middle East. Jwan Kada is a novice with the IBVM (Loreto Sisters), and has a particular interest and experience in ministry with young people, especially in prisons. Jwan was born in Baghdad, and came to Australia as a refugee with her mother and young siblings when she was 11 years old. She is passionate about social justice, and believes that to create any systematic change, our young people need to feel love, belonging and kinship. Jwan is a highly accomplished educator with an MA in Arts Theology, MA in Education (Student Wellbeing), and is currently completing her MA in Theological Studies.
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Sharing Our Faith HOLY WEEK LITURGIES
In the last week of term, our Junior and Senior students held Holy Week Liturgies, following Jesus’s journey from his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the washing of the feet, the Last Supper and the events of Good Friday.
For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son. JOHN 3:16 Head of the Junior School, Mrs Sharon Portlock commended the girls on their reverence, care and dramatisation of this very special story and tradition of our faith. “In the classrooms the girls have been reflecting on the importance of each stage of the last days of Jesus, and how we can relate this event to our world today. The student’s artworks and the written reflections have captured the importance of this story in so many different ways.” The Senior School Holy Week Liturgy was a time of prayer and reflection, with members of the Performing Arts team, musicians, choir and student leaders creating a beautiful ceremony, in preparation for Holy Week.
FATHER DAUGHTER MASS
More than 750 K-12 students, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, fatherly figures and staff attended our annual Father Daughter Mass, a wonderful liturgical event celebrated by Fr Ramesh Richards SJ. We were blessed to have families back on school grounds, participating in the faith life of their daughters, and enjoying a barbeque brunch supplied by Year 8 Class Parents. Thank you to Poppy Rohanna and her father Mark for inspiring us all with their father and daughter address.
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Spiritus Daniel mahon | deputy principal A NEW NAME
During 2019 we had the pleasure of observing a group of Year 11 students voluntarily participate in a ‘design sprint’ led by current parent Douglas Ross. The workshop was designed to inspire the thinking for a name of our new building. The girls progressed through a series of specially constructed activities designed to elicit their voice. They may not have named the building that afternoon, but the discussion was fascinating nonetheless, and it certainly inspired the name ultimately decided upon: SPIRITUS, the Latin word for spirit.
The Latin word for spirit, spiritus means 'the breath of life'.
STUDENT EXECUTIVE SNEAK PEEK
In early February our Student Executive enjoyed a guided tour of the site, including the glass stairwell, gymnasium, TAS rooms and the multipurpose, flexible learning environments. The students are looking forward to utilising these brilliant new spaces.
We look forward to the Blessing and Opening of our new building where we can meet in person and celebrate Spiritus together. EFFICIENT, ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN
In accordance with the school's commitment to environmental sustainability, the design and construction of our new building is informed by green principles and innovative, sustainable design features. Read more on our website loreto.nsw.edu.au/discover/ campus-and-location/ innovation-centre-project/
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FAREWELL LOTTIE THE CRANE
The last week in April was an historic milestone for the progress of our new Innovation Centre building - the dismantling of the 82 metre tower crane known affectionately around the school as ‘Lottie’. For the last eighteen months, Lottie has been a feature of the skyline at Loreto Kirribilli, lifting tonnes of steel, concrete, glass, pavers and heavy equipment onto the site, and removing skip loads of scraps and demolition waste. With major milestones reached and the façade works completed, the next month will see the project progress rapidly towards completion. Landscaping and paving works will be finalised, final internal inspections carried out and the hoarding around the site will be removed.
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Environmental Sustainability Robert Magner & Natalie O'Keefe | Loreto Kirribilli Sustainability Champions Pope Francis in his second encyclical Laudato Si’ - On care for our common home, calls for urgent action to protect our beautiful planet. This year also marks the bicentenary of Mother Frances Teresa Mary Ball, with Loreto Sisters worldwide launching the Bicentenary Jubilee Ecology Project, inviting each province to undertake a significant environmental project. Informed by these global initiatives, one of the significant projects in Loreto Kirribilli’s 2022 Strategic Plan is the development of an Environmental Sustainability Framework. The framework will address the material topics of biodiversity, energy efficiency, carbon management, climate risk, food, transport, waste management, construction and refurbishment. Three student leaders have joined Board members and Executive, parent and staff representatives on our Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee. This collaboration provides our students with a unique opportunity to advocate at Board level. Whilst work on the framework is underway, Loreto Kirribilli continues to implement sustainability initiatives, focusing on energy generation and consumption; waste and plastics reduction; and local environment improvement. The school has installed solar panels and rainwater tanks in the Junior School, converted to energy efficient LED lighting throughout the school buildings, and upgraded hundreds of windows to improve fresh air and natural ventilation. A vegetable garden has been established which provides fresh produce for use in the Canteen. In every corner of our campus we are finding ways to reduce, regenerate, reuse, and recycle.
The design and construction of our campus’ newest building, the Innovation Centre, now known as Spiritus, is informed by green principles, from the sun-efficient design of the facade, to the futureproofed flexible design of its interiors, with energy-efficient lighting, innovative mechanically-assisted natural ventilation air circulation, and rainwater collection and reuse. These green principles are now incorporated into the school’s Master Plan for future projects. The curriculum in both the Junior and Senior schools includes sustainability-themed project work across different subject areas. Our Student Leaders have made a commitment to inspire our school community towards effective, realistic and meaningful targets. They are also extending their reach by lobbying Federal Members of Parliament in areas regarding environmental
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stewardship. Environmental sustainability is not just an ambitious goal, but a day-to-day commitment from students, staff and parents alike. Read more on our website loreto.nsw.edu.au/sustainability
We are in what will be written up in future history books as the Green Revolution. The world is absolutely changing. At our Senior School End of Year Awards Ceremony ex-student Ann Austin ('85), Head of Sustainability at Lendlease, inspired us with her address on the role we can all play in a sustainable future.
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Class of 2021 - HSC Results Anne Gripton | Director of Teaching and Learning
We are delighted to share our students’ outstanding achievements in the 2021 NSW Higher School Certificate, which reflect their determination, effort and application, as well as their grit and grace through testing times. We also recognise and thank our outstanding teachers, who have supported, mentored and suitably challenged each and every student during her learning journey. At Loreto Kirribilli, we liken the HSC to a marathon, and this was a fitting metaphor for the experience of the Class of 2021. Throughout this marathon, our Class of 2021 demonstrated fortitude and good will. They were proactive in working collaboratively, demonstrating care and compassion for their friends and each other. They embraced the opportunities to engage with their learning and beyond; determined to achieve their very best utilising all
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the wonderful resources available to them at Loreto Kirribilli. In walking into their HSC exams in November, they had already crossed the finish line of their personal marathons, but they were never alone, as they were supported tirelessly by their cheer squads of families, teachers and friends. HSC RESULTS
HSC results are released as a combination of assessment marks and examination marks which are added together to give the final HSC mark for the student in that subject. School assessment marks are moderated against the student’s HSC examination mark. The final HSC mark is then awarded a grade or 'Band'. For all 2 unit and 1 unit courses the top Band is Band 6 and the lowest is Band 1. In Extension courses, the Bands are from Extension 4 (E4 = top) to Extension 1 (E1 = lowest).
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We congratulate the fifteen students who placed on the NSW HSC All Rounders list with ten units or more with a Band 6 or E4 result. They are: Charlotte Damian Michele Elliott Lulu Ghattas Harper Gracie Eimear Harding Olivia Loadsman Isabella McAuley Naomi Moore Sarah Munstermann Grace Shattock Emma Sheller Emily Smith Katherine St Julian Olivia Stowe Isabella Tooher
Class of 2021- HSC Results TOP ACHIEVERS
We are also pleased to report that of this cohort, 302 Distinguished Achievements (attaining a Band 6) were shared among 105 students. We had 95% of students achieve a result in Bands 5 or 6 and 56 students attained 3 or more Band 6 results. MATHEMATICS ADVANCED VISUAL ARTS
ART EXPRESS (VISUAL ARTS) ON STAGE (DRAMA)
Grace Shattock - selected
Olivia Stowe
ENCORE (MUSIC 1 & MUSIC 2)
Brooke Bogatez, Grace Poon
SHAPE (DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY) Grace O’Donnell
Lydia Colla
OVERALL RESULTS
Lydia Colla 1st Place (Equal) in NSW
Marielle Robinson 8th Place in NSW
HSC SUBJECT ACHIEVEMENTS
The Sydney Morning Herald each year releases a ranking based on the number of Band 6/E4 results as a percentage of the overall number of examinations sat by our students. This year, Loreto Kirribilli was placed 21st overall and 1st Catholic school in NSW.
In 2021, we ran 34 courses, with many courses significantly above the state mean: Ancient History, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Chinese Continuers, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics, English Standard, English Advanced, Food Technology, French Continuers, Italian Continuers, Legal Studies, Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2, Modern History, Music 1, PDHPE, Physics, Studies of Religion 2 Unit and Visual Arts. Subjects where students achieved exclusively in the top Bands, that is, Band 5/6 or E3/E4, included: Chinese Continuers, Drama, Economics, Food Technology, French Continuers, French Extension, Italian Extension, Mathematics Extension 2, Music 1, Music 2, Science Extension and Visual Arts. Other subjects that achieved over 80% of their students in the top two bands included: Business Studies, Design & Technology, English Advanced, English Extension I, English Extension 2, History Extension, Hospitality, Italian Continuers, Legal Studies, Mathematics Extension I, Physics and Studies of Religion 2 Unit. In 2021, NESA changed the guidelines and placed stringent limits (one nomination per 20 students) on the recognition of student achievement in practical courses in response to COVID-19 constraints with state-wide marking. The following students were nominated:
ATAR RESULTS
We are delighted to congratulate Emily Smith, the Dux for 2021 with an ATAR of 99.75. 6% (8 students) achieved 99 ATAR and above 32% achieved above 95 ATAR 55% achieved above 90 ATAR Our school community is steeped in the Loreto tradition, committed to our Loreto vision. In 1908, Mother Gonzaga Barry said, ‘What the world needs is a wise, loving, welleducated woman’. Centuries earlier, Mary Ward said, ‘women in time to come will do much’. That time is now! Our young women have demonstrated that this is no longer an aspiration, they are indeed ‘doing much’ and we congratulate them for their outstanding achievements. We wish them felicity as they continue to explore their wonderful lives beyond Loreto Kirribilli.
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Class of 2021 - Dux We were thrilled to welcome back our graduating Class of 2021 and their parents for their long-awaited Jubilarian & Awards Ceremony. The COVID-safe ceremony, also livestreamed to families and friends, was a wonderful celebration of determination, effort and application. Emily Smith, 2021 Dux of the School, addressed her fellow graduates in a speech which was recorded and broadcast to the whole Senior School the next day.
“It is with great privilege that I stand before you all today to share my story and acknowledge the people who helped to write it. Who would have thought this day would ever, ever come after remote online learning in Years 11 and 12, Trials moved back twice, Trials online, the HSC rescheduled… and the list goes on. “More than the individual marks we achieved, I was proud of us, the Class of 2021 as a whole. I am so proud because I know the mammoth effort we all put in, over five terms, and the strength it took to keep going when everything kept changing and school went online. The State, Lane Cove, Stanton, Chatswood, Mosman and Loreto Kirribilli libraries miss you already and I cannot wait to see you go far. “It is an honour to have grown up alongside you all and I know the future engineers, lawyers, teachers, nurses, business owners, mothers, etc. that you will all become, will make me proud to say, ‘I went to high school with her.’ “Our amazing achievement is a testament to the teachers here at Loreto Kirribilli. The things we disliked about this year, such as remote online learning and being apart from one another, would have been the same at any school. But the things that made this year what it was, and what I loved about it were unique to Loreto Kirribilli, largely due to the teachers and their infectious passion for learning. There is something truly special about the teachers at Loreto Kirribilli in that they treat you as adults and go above and beyond to help you succeed. “To our families, thank you for the constant support, the fully stocked pantry and fridge for study snacks, the Officeworks supplies and anything else we may have needed. We could not have done it without you." Emily Smith ('21)
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Class of 2021 - Graduation Dinner Our Class of 2021 marked the end of their Loreto Kirribilli journey at the Class of 2021 Graduation Dinner held at the International Convention Centre, with parents, partners and family attending. The room sparkled with blue and gold balloons, formal dresses and huge smiles. We extend our warmest congratulations to these inspiring graduates and look forward to bright futures ahead.
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Junior School Learning
A WARM WELCOME TO JUNIOR SCHOOL
There was great excitement at the Junior School gates as the new school year opened, with a warm welcome to new student families and a welcome back to many familiar faces.
LEADERSHIP AFTERNOON TEA
Student Leaders from both Junior and Senior Schools met for afternoon tea with the Principal Mrs Anna Dickinson, Head of Junior School Mrs Sharon Portlock, and other senior staff members. The students discussed upcoming activities on each campus, set goals for whole school projects and shared experiences of their leadership roles so far. Amelie and Olivia had lots of questions for the School Student Executive leaders about fundraising and May Day.
AQUARIUM EXCURSION
Year 2 students were excited to embark on the first Junior School excursion for 2022 with a fun ferry ride across to the Sydney Aquarium to see the jellyfish and lots of sea creatures in action.
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Junior School Learning
HARMONY WEEK
With the theme of ‘Everyone Belongs’, the Junior School celebrated wearing a ‘splash of orange’ on Friday 18 March. Harmony Day reminds us to appreciate everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Harmony Day is all about loving and understanding different cultures and ways of life, and seeing how they can fit together. The students love to be engaged and surprised by what other cultures have to teach us! As one student so aptly put it, "We are so lucky to live in Australia as we share all the different cultures and traditions of the world right here together!"
CHARACTER BUILDING
TUTU DAY TOO TOO MUCH FUN
22 February 2022 was a very special day - Tutu Day! With mathematicallythemed activities and a Dance-Off held at 2.22pm, and special applause for the students in Year 2, it was certainly a day to remember!
Year 6 spent a whole day completing a Character Building Incursion. It helped us build our leadership skills and required us to work together. Throughout the day, we were challenged to take risks and problem solve in team situations. From scissors, paper, rock tournaments to constructing a ping pong ball run, in which the goal was for it to be as slow as possible, you could say we had fun! We also talked about stepping up, stepping back when it comes to leadership, and encouraging others to be their best. Maya Sullivan & Olivia Massey Year 6 Students
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Junior School Learning
INTERSCHOOL TECH DAY
A group of our Year 6 students joined their peers from St Aloysius' College and Redlands for a STEM Technology interschool challenge day. The students collaborated in mixed groups to creatively problem solve using a variety of digital technology. One of the challenges involved producing a solution using the BBC Micro:bit. The results ranged from a musical school bell, a touch device that could indicate if someone had left the classroom, and an original Magic 8 Maths ball. The other challenge was to build a vehicle motored by a small robot called a Sphero that had to be coded to travel along a path that involved ramps and turns. The day ended with presentations from each group reflecting on their results. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with each other and had an exciting, challenging, fun day that they would like to do again. Maria Emmi E-Learning Teacher Educator FRIDAY MORNING ASSEMBLIES
CYBER SAFETY WEEK
Friday Assembly certainly brings out the creativity in our students!
We welcomed NSW Police to our Junior School to speak about cyber safety, with our youngest students learning the basics of safety online through age-appropriate information and activities. A parent education session, Think U Know, was also held online for parents. This education program was led by the Australian Federal Police and Microsoft, to raise awareness about the potential risks online for young people and suggest strategies parents could use to support their child online.
The intrepid jungle explorers in Year 6 Blue entertained the school with a safari of music, dance, book readings and STEM investigations... and of course, jokes! Year 1 students led their assembly centred around nature and growing, with their motto As we learn, we grow. In The Exploration of Year 4, Captain Bliss and the Year 4 crew gave some insights into their learning discoveries on the high seas!
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Junior School Learning
ROBOTICS AND GEOGRAPHY
CHICKEN COOPS!
Year 2 learned about the geography of Australia. They labelled a map of Australia after exploring its location on Google Earth. They created colour codes to animate a small robot called an Ozobot to retell the journey around Australia of the two characters in the book Possum Magic. Collaboration and critical thinking were very evident in this cross-curricular activity.
Year 1 designed chicken coops for the chicks that have been visiting in the Year 1 classroom. The students worked with the criteria of food, water, air, different spaces, and shelter. Technology was added with an electrical circuit that could provide light, warmth, air or protection within the coop. Students had to think about how the circuit would be controlled - by a sensor or a switch. They tested the coops with the chicks and then made modifications to improve their designs. Using Little Bits circuits and Makedo kits helped to facilitate their ability to produce their prototypes.
HIGHER ORDER THINKING
DIGITAL JELLYFISH
In the introduction to Robotics, Years 5 and 6 students engineered a tower that would be able to resist an earthquake. The tower had to stay stable for 30 seconds. The students were lucky enough to have the expert help of their student coaches from UNSW, who are studying in the fields of Computer Science, Engineering and Mechatronics.
Year 2 created jellyfish artworks and then, using an app on their iPads, animated their artwork. The students shared facts about the jellyfish via video animations.
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Senior School Learning
LIBRARY LOVERS' DAY
St Valentine’s Day, 14 February, is Library Lovers’ Day, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate books, a love of reading and to form connections in our reading communities. The theme for 2022 was 'Show the Love.' The Philomena Heaton Librarians extended their services to matchmaking, matching students and staff with books to tug at the heartstrings!
YEAR 7 ART GALLERY VISIT
Our Year 7 Visual Artists were enthralled by their trip to the Art Gallery of New South Wales to support their study of portraiture and still life this semester. They were especially thrilled to visit ArtExpress, where our own Grace Shattock's ('21) HSC artwork is on display. “We visited the Australian galleries, the European section, and went to the marvellous Matisse exhibition. It was their first Year 7 excursion and we had the best day!” Isabella Fabrizio Visual Arts Teacher
L.A.M.P AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCE FACULTY
Now in its 12th year, our Loreto Academic Mentor Program (L.A.M.P.) is an invaluable way to offer our gifted students experiences that go above and beyond the curriculum. The K-12 Program connects students with mentors who are experts in their fields. Mentors become authentic role models for our students and offer a real world perspective.
KOREAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR'S AWARD
Congratulations Sophia Tosley, who was selected by NSW School of Languages to receive a Korean Education Director's Award. This award was established to recognise outstanding students enrolled in Korean Language who have achieved strong academic results in Korean Language studies.
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This year we are so lucky to have the support of Dr Stephen Codrington, author, consultant and Founder and President of Optimal School Governance; and Dr Sonia Graham, from the School of Geography and Sustainable Communities at the University of Wollongong. Both are Australian leaders in the Geography curriculum and school pedagogy. Dr Codrington and Dr Graham attend Loreto Kirribilli on alternate weeks to provide inspiration to the Year 12 Geography Class of 2022, with sessions also attended by Mr Keith Hopkins and Mrs Desilee Tait. Desilee Tait & Keith Hopkins K-12 Gifted & Talented Coordinator and Social Science Coordinator respectively
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Senior School Learning ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Year 9 elective Visual Arts students attended a Studio Arts Incursion with artist-in-residence, Michelle Cawthorn. Michelle is a multidisciplinary artist whose enigmatic works are created with a distinctive visual language of repetitive mark making. In a series of practical workshops on rotation, the students explored drawing, stencilling, etching and monoprinting, while Michelle discussed themes of memory and place.
YOUNG SCIENTISTS WIN AWARD
YEAR 11 VISUAL ARTS VISIT BIENNALE
Visiting five galleries in a dynamic day of learning, Year 11 students of Visual Arts had the opportunity to engage with contemporary art, immerse themselves in creative experiences and consider how the environmental issue of sustainability can be a primary focus for artists.
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The Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales (STANSW) Young Scientist Awards are a K-12 STEM initiative aiming to stimulate curiosity through inquiry, encouraging students to undertake innovative investigations. Students are directed to find creative solutions to everyday problems to make our lives better, using Science, Mathematics and Technology. All Year 8 and Year 10 Science students at Loreto Kirribilli entered the competition by undertaking a self-directed Student Research Project on their own choice of subject. Congratulations to Year 8 students, Elsie Hutton and Amber Reid, who won prizes in the 2021 Years 7-8 Biology category of the awards.
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Senior School Learning
YEAR 7 CHAU CHAK WING MUSEUM VISIT
Our Year 7 historians visited Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, where they were fascinated by an x-ray exposition of an ancient Egyptian mummy, and were able to examine artefacts from ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome, the Middle East and Egypt.
CULTURAL FEASTS!
CREATIVITY AND CAKES
Students of Languages in Year 10 ventured out and about to enjoy a cultural feast in various locations around Sydney, with students of Italian visiting the vibrant commercial centre of Haberfield, while students of French attended the French Film Festival, followed by a visit to the très chic Crêperie Suzette.
Creativity was the order of the day for our Year 10 Food Technology class, participating in the popular and rewarding cake decorating incursion, a day of baking, icing and decorating a cake for a special occasion. The results were a feast for the eyes!
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Senior School Learning
MEDIEVAL EUROPE COMES TO KIRRIBILLI
Year 8 History students had a taste of hand-to-hand combat, medieval style, as they sought to understand the violent side of the Dark Ages during an interactive incursion about Medieval Europe. “Who’d have thought that I’d watch my classmates get attacked with a real sword by a professional swordswoman? Or that I’d get to wear a dress fit for royalty? The incursion exceeded all expectations.” Kaitlyn Siow, Year 8 QUARANTINE STATION
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
From laser cutting to 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) milling to vacuum forming, Year 11 Design & Technology students were introduced to some techniques and equipment to consider for their major design projects.
Year 11 Modern History students undertook a site study at the historic Quarantine Station at North Head, Australia’s longest continuously operating quarantine station. The trip was part of our investigation into how history is constructed, looking at the way sites have been converted into places of remembrance and education. In the classroom our girls have examined WWI trenches in Europe. At Q Station they were able to see how a part of our local history has been preserved in the original buildings, giving them insight into late 19th and early 20th century Australian attitudes to class, race, and the management of contagion. The views of the Harbour were magnificent and the guides knowledgeable, while the buildings evoked an earlier but not-so-remote time for young people living in the time of COVID-19. Alwyn Williams History Teacher
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Student Wellbeing
BUCKETS OF LOVE
There was plenty of appreciation and laughter during the now-traditional 'Bucket Giving Ceremony' held at the beginning of term. Our departing 2021 graduates passed on words of encouragement and advice to their incoming Year 12 2022 counterparts, in specially-prepared buckets containing necessities essential for thriving during their HSC year.
LK LIVE
YEAR 12 COMMON ROOM
LK Live is an exciting, student-led initiative designed to bring breaking news to the Senior School. This cross-school broadcast is streamed live to year classrooms on Tuesday mornings, from a secret location within the school! Students are treated to an update on the latest happenings - from sport successes, to new initiatives, to individual accomplishments within the school celebrating the Freedom of Spirit that defines life at Loreto Kirribilli.
In another welcome return, Year 12 celebrated the re-opening of the Common Room for 2022. The sun appeared for a brief moment, the ribbon was cut and there were cheers and smiles all round.
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Student Wellbeing
CIRCLE CLASSES TURN A CORNER
When restrictions on cohorts of students mixing across year groups were eased in March, Circle Classes made a welcome return to school life, with students in Years 7-12 excited to reconnect and start the school day together again. We were also pleased to invite our Year 7 parents on campus to meet their daughter’s Circle Teacher, House Academic Care Coordinators and of course, their Year 10 Big Sisters, who support our young students in their transition to Senior School life.
YEAR 7 FORGE NEW FRIENDS
On Friendship Day, Year 7 engaged in fun activities to help forge new friendships and develop further connections throughout the year group. Amongst the many highlights, the day included a positive relationships workshop with youth social worker, Jane McGowen ('86).
YEAR 12 RETREAT
Our Year 12 students enjoyed an enriching retreat experience at Narrabeen, with time to reflect on their relationships with themselves, their families, their peers and God, culminating in a celebration of Reconciliation and Mass.
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Student Wellbeing YEAR 11 RETREAT
Reflecting on this year's value of Freedom of Spirit, our Year 11 students enjoyed a three-day retreat to Galston Gorge, an opportunity to spend time in prayer and contemplation, while connecting with new friends through a variety of team-building activities such as the obstacle course, laser tag and high ropes!
YEAR 10 PASTORAL DAYS
Our Year 10 students explored this year's value of Freedom during a series of Pastoral Days. Students strengthened friendships and support networks through a program of talks, challenges and fun activities as they head towards their senior years of school.
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Student Wellbeing YEAR 9 DUKE OF EDINBURGH
At the inaugural combined Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Camp, students embarked on an adventure that explored Sydney, notably the UNESCO Cockatoo Island, Bradley’s Head, Greenwich, the Lane Cove River and the Manly to Spit trail. With grit, humour and perseverance on constant display, students learnt to cook on a Trangia, set up tents in torrential rain, and navigate multiple modes of transport. It was truly a once-ina-lifetime experience! A total of 132 students are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award – the most in Loreto Kirribilli’s history!
YEARS 7 & 8 CAMPS
Students in Years 7 and 8 embraced the opportunity to forge new friendships during a three-day camp at Stanwell Tops. They participated in demanding activities including the giant swing, high ropes, cart racing, archery and survivor challenges designed to build teamwork and encourage collaboration and connection.
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Listening Circles Romalina Rocca | Director of Senior School Our new Consent Education Framework enhances our student pastoral program, while further developing parent education and working together with other schools. Early in 2021, Loreto Kirribilli instigated a series of Listening Circles, designed to consult and collaborate with students, ex-students, staff and the parent community, in order to formulate a considered and informed response to the issue of respectful relationships and consent education. The valuable suggestions and contributions that came from these Listening Circles have informed our 2022 Pastoral Program and Consent Education Framework for students and parents. Key findings from the Listening Circles highlighted the need for a clear definition of consent and the concept that education should be instigated much earlier, in age-appropriate stages. Information should be explicit and not ‘sugar-coated’ and education for parents should complement and support curriculum activities at school. Informal, co-educational activities between boys and girls from a young age has a significant role to play in removing some of the disconnect between genders. Our whole school response to the question of consent education reflects the charism of Mary Ward, as we are called to be agents of change, not just within our school environment but in society as a whole. Our response also reflects the importance we place on student wellbeing, with the student at the heart of our evolved pastoral care model. Based on the findings of our Listening Circles, and in consultation with experts in the field of consent education, we have instituted a refreshed Consent Education Framework for 2022. Students in Years 7-12 will engage in sessions with ex-student Jane McGowen (’86), a social worker who specialises in working with young people in the education space about positive relationships. Jane will be running small group Talking Consent workshops with the girls as they progress through their senior schooling.
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Jane’s workshops will focus on understanding, defining and negotiating consent. Through a variety of dynamic, interactive techniques including storytelling, art and peerbased learning, students come to sound understandings of consent in an appropriate age and stage-related teaching environment. “I aim to deliver this sensitive information in an environment of cohesion and positivity, so that young people feel empowered to seek healthy relationships and look after each other," explains Jane. "As they learn to understand risk and know how to identify that for themselves, they become more self-aware and have a sense of preparedness as they grow and change.”
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Companions in Learning
This year, Loreto Kirribilli is building upon our longstanding relationship with our neighbour, St Aloysius’ College, through a new Companions in Learning program.
Our Year 12 Leaders visited St Aloysius' College for an International Women's Day Assembly.
For more than 100 years our two schools have enjoyed a warm, informal association as we have educated our young people on the Kirribilli peninsula. Our communities share common Catholic and educational values in the Ignatian tradition, and working with each other adds an additional dimension to our respective institutions by fostering shared extra-curricular experiences between girls and boys. Companions in Learning will serve as a platform for extra-curricular experiences across four important pillars:
Year 8 students from both schools enjoyed an Afternoon Social with activities facilitated by the St Aloysius’ College Prefects.
1. Social Justice - joint activities in accordance with Catholic values that support each school’s respective mission on social justice and equality. 2. Community Engagement - events that allow students to come together to exercise their roles as members of the community, with particular focus on the Kirribilli area. 3. Respectful Relationships - authentic opportunities for students to develop their capacity for respectful relationships with members of the opposite sex.
Year 5 and 6 Problem Solving team were invited to St Aloysius' Junior School for an Enrichment Day.
4. Partners in Learning - shared academic programs for students so that they can acquire knowledge together, in an extra-curricular capacity, from one another, and from the alumni of both schools. Companions in Learning will also enable the schools to utilise their proximity to one another on the Kirribilli peninsula through strategic sharing of resources, providing greater value to both students and parents, and supporting our sustainability goals.
Junior School Liturgy Leaders attended the St Aloysius’ Harmony Day Assembly.
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2022 Dance Night The dancers of Loreto Kirribilli performed to a packed Centenary Hall for 2022 Dance Night. A beautiful piece from the Loreto Kirribilli Modern Troupe opened the evening, followed by very special performances from solo and duet dancers, and of course the highlycontested House Dance competition. The much-anticipated Captain’s Dance brought the house down and was a fabulous ending to our Dance Festival. The winner of the Dance Spirit Cup for 2022 was Ward, and the House Dance Shield was won by Heaton. Congratulations to all of our dancers who have worked tirelessly over many months to learn and perfect their routines, and to the Dance Captains for their work with their House Dance troupes. Adrienne Grimes Head of Performance
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2022 Dance Night
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Junior School Swimming Carnival OPEN 50M FREESTYLE
NE W RECORD 31.75 DS SECON
1st
Camilla Squire
2nd
Eloise Bailey
3rd
Hannah Jamieson
JUNIOR CHAMPION
1st
Lucy Matthews
2nd
Eloise Christian
3rd
Imogen Haigh
3rd
Alice Bannan
SENIOR CHAMPION
1st
Camilla Squire
2nd
Hannah Jamieson
3rd
Abigail Damian
3rd
Eloise Bailey
SPIRIT AWARD
1st
Heaton
CHAMPION HOUSE
1st
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Milson
Senior School Swimming Carnival SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st
Gabrielle Perkins
2nd Layla Smith 3rd
Alice Austin
JUNIOR POINTSCORE
1st
Isabelle Bannan
2nd Madeline Murphy 3rd
Eliza Damian
INTERMEDIATE POINTSCORE
1st
Alice Austin
2nd Gabrielle Perkins 3rd
Ava Garrett
SENIOR POINTSCORE
1st
Charlotte Aubin
2nd Olivia Jacobs 3rd
Layla Smith
SENIOR POINTSCORE
1st
Jessica Johnston
2nd Olivia Jacobs 3rd
Layla Smith
OVERALL POINTSCORE
1st
Milson
2nd Heaton 3rd
Ward
4th
Barry
SPIRIT AWARD
1st
Ward
WATER BALLET
1st
Milson
2nd Barry
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3rd
Ward
4th
Heaton
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Water Ballet A recollection - Jacinta McCann ('76) 1974
Have you ever wondered why we have Water Ballet at Loreto Kirribilli? From reading almost any edition of Loreto Kirribilli’s Spirit, it becomes evident that Water Ballet is of central importance to the school’s annual sport program, and is synonymous with team spirit, mentoring and enjoyment.
a cup to be won! I think I had watched too many Esther Williams' movies while babysitting, had the old VAETS tennis stroke production to music as inspiration, and found an LP (a record) of Hawaiian music in my mother’s Reader’s Digest collection. We selected a track and rehearsed in and out of the pool.
I wish I could cast light on the precise moment someone said, "We should have Water Ballet!" But regardless, in 1974, a Water Ballet Cup came into being and we were off! I was the Vice Sports Captain of Barry that year, under the fearless leadership of Liz Whelan ('74) as House Captain, and Carolyn Rattigan ('75) as Sports Captain. In our inaugural performance of the Barry mermaids there were lilos, and lots of laughs, but nothing close to matching what happens today.
I cannot recall if we played a tape or the record into the microphone so it could be broadcast over the loudspeaker at North Sydney Olympic Pool on the big day, but I do recall that our amazing team members got through their moves more or less to the music and did not drown! And if memory serves me correctly, the Barry mermaids took out the cup in 1976.
By the time I was House Captain two years later, we attempted a more serious approach. After all, there was
We definitely harboured more modest ambitions back then, and had no idea that this would become a lasting tradition for the school. Bravo to the girls making such incredible moves these days!
In organising the choreography with the girls, we thought we ought to begin with a flourish. The girls stood up on the blocks and dove into the water with yellow carnations in their mouths. It looked great at the start, but not so much after a couple of minutes of twirls and kicks and treading water!
Still one of my favourite memories at Loreto Kirribilli was our Water Ballet … I remember some dry land training on the grass outside the Kiosk and then realising the vision in the deep end of the pool. We were ambitious, and had the girls form a ‘W’ at the end of the ballet, and then on the crescendo of the soundtrack All By Myself by Eric Carmen - they released blue balloons! It was a miracle that they all survived, the little Year 7s barely treading water and remembering all their moves! I do believe we won that year!
EMMA ROSSI (’84)
SALLY SCANLEN (’85), WARD VICE CAPTAIN 1985
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1992
1997
2022
1950s
1997
2004
2022
I was Milson House Captain in 1987. We stirred things up a bit by choosing a very nontraditional song, Grease Lightning - and we won! My mother Margaret Morrison, mother of Marie (’73) and Meg (’87) and P&F President 1973, was in the Australian Water Ballet team 1950 -1954 (pictured left). Mum was frequently called upon in the 1970s and 1980s to be a guest judge. MEG MORRISON (’87) MILSON HOUSE CAPTAIN 1987
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Sport
EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION
Star equestrian Tia McKenzie (Year 9) represented New South Wales at the Equestrian Australia (EA) Nationals Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships in March 2022. She was truly outstanding, winning five Championship Titles, more than any other single rider in the Nationals, helping New South Wales to win the overall National Team title. Congratulations Tia.
TILDESLEY TENNIS
Over a Sunday and Monday in March, our Tildesley Tennis Squad played in the 102nd Tildesley Tennis tournament. Thanks to the return of spectators for both the Singles and Doubles day, the tournament was played with atmosphere and cheer that has been missing these last two years. With the Loreto Kirribilli cheer squad made up of players, coaches and parents, nothing could dampen the spirit of the squad, with nine singles and five doubles pairings taking to the court. After our matches, we were able to reach Round 3 in both the singles and doubles, placing 15th overall, which is a wonderful result! A special mention must go out to our departing Year 12 players who have given six years to the squad. We farewell Sophie Bencsik, Sophie Blanks, Charlotte Leete, Claire McNally, Sophia Wood and Sara Marning. Yolande Jury Tennis Convenor
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SAILING STAR
Lauren Tandy in Year 9 has been representing Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron since she was 13, sailing in Pacers and Elliots with the club’s Youth Squadron. She is also a valued crew member on members’ yachts. Last year in the Canberra Regatta, a competition with schools from around Australia, Lauren placed second overall. Among many other trophies and prizes, our keen sailor was awarded the RSYS Pacer Most Improved Award in at the RSYS Youth Sailing Prize Giving in 2021. Congratulations Lauren!
Sport
WARD MCAULEY CUP
Each year the highlight of our Water Polo season is an annual trophy match between Loreto Kirribilli and Monte Sant’ Angelo’s Senior First teams. Over the years the matches for the Ward McAuley Cup have been close and very hard-fought. SERVICE TO SNOWSPORTS
Sport Coordinator, Donna Baker OAM, was recognised with a Service to Snowsport Award at the 2021 Community Sport Awards for her outstanding contributions to the snowsports' community. The award recognises individuals in the community who have made a positive difference to the opportunities and experiences available to others over a long period of time.
This year’s team, despite having only one substitute, (three of the team were isolating with COVID-19) played well and retained the trophy, winning 15-6. Our team was led by Layla Smith, and everyone in the team contributed to an excellent win. They are all great athletes. Our team has girls from Years 9-12, almost like a Circle Class team, and they have been great fun to coach. Chris Hook Water Polo Convenor
WATER POLO COACH RECOGNISED
Congratulations to Chris Hook for his outstanding service to NSWCCC sport, which has been recognised with life membership. Life Membership is awarded to those who have left a mark on CSNSW Sport through their dedication and commitment to supporting and developing sports pathways and mentorships programmes for students. The award recognises Chris’s contribution in training and coaching NSWCCC Water Polo and his instrumental efforts in fostering Water Polo at the CGSSSA. Bravo Chris!
Donna has held the role of NSW Interschools Events Manager in a volunteer capacity since 1987, introducing thousands of young athletes to the sport through Interschools over three decades. Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said the award was well-deserved. “Donna is one of the most dedicated and long standing volunteers in our sport. She has helped our sport grow to be what it is today.”
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Rowing LACHLAN ALLEN | HEAD ROWING COACH
It was an extremely challenging season this year, with many hurdles, but with our rowing spirit, our rowers approached each one with perseverance, determination, and courage. The 2022 NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River was postponed, relocated, and split over two weekends. Due to unsafe conditions at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, our rowers returned to Iron Cove for the big event. At the Junior Schoolgirl & Schoolboy Head of the River, our Year 8 Squad brought home three gold medals, one silver and one bronze. Our Year 9 Squad brought home three gold medals, two silver and two bronze. After this incredible performance, the Seniors were inspired and ready to follow suit at the 2022 NSW Senior Schoolgirl Head of the River. Rodd Point was abuzz with Loreto Kirribilli fanfare as rowers, parents and supporters
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arrived in the dozens, all excited to see how our mighty rowers would fare. The Year 10 1st VIII were victorious in the Year 10 Coxed VIII; Jessica Rich took silver for her final of the Year 10 1X; and in a thrilling finish, the Senior Double of Alice Watkins and Claire Flanagan snatched the gold medal from Newcastle Grammar by 0.21 of a second. Finishing off the day was the Schoolgirl Coxed Four comprising Year 12 rowers Mietta Jones, Matilda Damian, Lucy Howard, Lauren Moran and Alyssa Fikkers winning gold in what was their last school regatta for the season. It was a fantastic achievement for our rowing squad, which saw us finish 2nd overall on the Head of the River Point Score, awarded this year's Senior Handicap Point score, and for the 7th year in a row, the NSW Schoolgirl Shield for 2022.
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Extra-Curricular 2021 MOCK TRIAL Grand Final Winners
Congratulations to our talented Mock Trial team who are 2021 Grand Final Champions, and to team member Lydia who was awarded the coveted Student Advocacy prize. Loreto Kirribilli have now won the prestigious competition for 2 of the last 3 years - an outstanding achievement! On Thursday 9 December, the 2021 Loreto Kirribilli Mock Trial Team competed against Trinity Grammar School in the Grand Final of the Mock Trial Competition conducted by the Law Society of NSW. The case had Loreto Kirribilli as the Prosecution in a criminal matter involving the assault and robbery of an Uber Eats delivery driver.
Phillip Bain, securing the top spot two years ago in 2019. He was assisted by Senior School Teacher Charlotte Pearson and Loreto Kirribilli’s two coaches, Justice Julia Lonergan (’78) and Mr John Berry OAM, a founding member and barrister of Lachlan Macquarie Chambers since 1985.
While the accused was found not guilty, Loreto Kirribilli were victorious, winning the Grand Final with a score of 192 v 173. Year 11 student Lydia was awarded the Student Advocacy Prize for her outstanding performance in the role of Second Barrister for the Prosecution.
Throughout the year they have shown enthusiasm, commitment, supportive teamwork, a sense of fun and the passion to strive to improve. PHILLIP BAIN
Congratulations to the Mock Trial team: Lydia Colla, Charlotte Blundell, Matilda Damian, Olivia Jacobs, Hannah Merlin, Greta Perrignon, Imogen Wills and Sophia Wood. From armed robbery to arson; financial fraud to council disputes; dangerous driving to larceny; the 2021 Mock Trial team enjoyed a year filled with challenging cases, enjoying wins against schools including Newington, Queenwood and James Ruse. “We had many opportunities to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as improving our collaboration as a team,” said team member Charlotte. This is the second time Loreto Kirribilli has won the Grand Finals under the expert tutelage of Legal Studies Teacher
The Mock Trial Competition is conducted by The Law Society of New South Wales and is a practical means of introducing students to the law and to increase understanding of the judicial system. The competition is designed to help students increase basic skills such as listening, speaking, writing, reading and analysing. “Our experience as members of the 2021 Mock Trial team has been unlike any in other extra-curricular subjects,” said Charlotte. “We are so grateful to have been involved in the competition, and we’re really proud of how the entire team has worked together to bring justice to the courtroom.”
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Extra-Curricular GRIFFIN THEATRE AMBASSADOR
CHILDREN’S CHORUS OF LA BOHÈME
Year 9 student Claudia Healey swapped school uniform for the clothes of a 1930s Berlin street urchin in the Sydney Opera House production of Puccini’s romantic opera La Bohème. Claudia, who is studying for AMEB exams in vocals, and sings with the Senior and Chamber Choirs, found her experience fascinating. “It was amazing to see all of the work put in behind the scenes of a production. I really valued the experience of working with the professionals in the industry - the actors, dancers, costume designers, makeup artists, hair stylists, chorus masters, principal singers, conductors, musicians, choristers and more.”
Thank you so much for providing us this opportunity to visit State Parliament and be a part of 'Girls Takeover Parliament'! It has been such a great learning experience and I have enjoyed every minute of it! PIPER ANDERSON We had inspirational speakers and lessons on all things politics and women. ABIGAIL WOOD
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Coco Gracie in Year 11 is passionate about theatre and performance, and this year has secured a place as a 2022 Griffin Theatre Ambassador. Coco will attend performances and workshops with playwrights and directors. The Griffin Ambassadors is an accessall-areas program designed to support the next generation of theatre-makers. Congratulations to Coco on this wonderful enrichment opportunity to further develop her skills in the performing arts. Mathew Clausen Performing Arts Coordinator
GIRLS TAKEOVER PARLIAMENT
Ms D'Angelo's 2021 Thinking and Advocacy class attended NSW Parliament House for 2022 Girls Takeover Parliament, an opportunity for our young leaders to connect and experience the political process first hand. The Year 10 students are taking up current issues in partnership with female politicians, making their voices heard on a range of issues.
Future of Learning
CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP
In 2017 Desilee Tait, Loreto Kirribilli’s K-12 Gifted & Talented Coordinator, was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship. Churchill Fellows have the opportunity to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue they are passionate about. In Desi’s case, her project was to ‘Research and deliver a direct and positive impact on high potential students across Australia’. In February 2022, Desi presented a summary of her trip via Zoom to an audience of 200 future Churchill Fellows. “The audience was interested to hear about the application process, what a fellowship means, and how it can change your life,” explained Desi. Desi’s presentation focused on her research, and how it has been implemented on her return. In her travels Desi visited the ‘rock stars’ of education in Singapore and the United States. “Something surprising that happened on my trip was meeting influential researcher and educator Dr Ron Ritchhart, famous for his work in ‘visible thinking’,” enthuses Desi. “On my return from my Fellowship, I have implemented some of the things I learnt from being in experts’ classrooms. Most importantly is the crucial role of Professional Development for teachers catering for the high potential student. In conjunction with large group Professional Development, there is the need for a program of coaching for teachers.” Desi concluded her talk by thanking her mentors, including Loreto Kirribilli Principal Anna Dickinson, Chair of the Loreto Kirribilli Board 2016, Kathryn Greiner AO (Callaghan ’64), Trent Zimmerman MP, and Janet Freeman, Trustee Mary Aikenhead Ministries.
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AIS COMPASS WELLBEING INITIATIVE
Our whole school wellbeing working party, representing both Junior and Senior Schools, attended the Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales (AISNSW) Compass Network meeting, hosted by esteemed educator and applied researcher, Professor Donna Cross. The session focused on strategies to improve social and emotional learning and wellbeing for students and staff. This is the first session of a 12-18 month professional development program entitled Compass: Navigating Whole-school Wellbeing, designed for independent schools to review and renew whole-school wellbeing.
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From the Development Office Debbie henry | development manager
For further information please contact Debbie Henry on
I’ve experienced the benefits of a Loreto Kirribilli education; it catapulted me into the next stage of my life. Loreto values have continued to shape my life: to be an advocate for women and girls, and have a strong commitment to community service. The Loreto Kirribilli Bursary encapsulates both these values.
development@loreto.nsw.edu.au
EX-STUDENT AND CURRENT PARENT
WHAT BETTER PHILANTHROPY THAN THAT OF EDUCATION?
Loreto Kirribilli, a school with Spirit, is blessed to continue to provide a Loreto education for more than 1100 students in 2022. This year we are delighted to initiate our tax-deductible Bursary Fund, to enable our families to provide the gift of a Loreto education to others. The ‘gift of giving’ is truly appreciated and aligns with the values we teach our students at Loreto. Social justice remains at the heart of a Loreto education, and the generosity of your gift will enable others to also benefit from this education through this Bursary Fund. Whether families are inter-generational, or new to the school, we are all one magnificent community, established by our beautiful Loreto Sisters back in Ireland under the vision of our Foundress, Mary Ward.
ta x - d e d ucti b le b ursar y F U N d
the gift of giving Our Tax-Deductible Bursary Fund enables our generous community to provide the gift of a Loreto Kirribilli education. Donations to the Bursary Fund can be claimed as a tax-deduction in your tax return. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Bursary Fund, please complete the form on the reverse of the address flyer or visit loreto.nsw.edu.au/bursary THE MARY WARD ROSE
The Development Office is proud to announce the creation of the Mary Ward Rose, named in honour of our foundress, Mary Ward. This beautiful new rose has a golden glow in the centre as it blooms, with a beautiful fragrance and high petal count. The planting of the first rose bush will be in the Mary Ward Rose Garden at Loreto Kirribilli on May Day 2023, with the gifting of rose bushes to all Loreto Convents across Australia to coincide with Loreto Federation in 2024.
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Parents & Friends HEATHER KITSON & IAN MANN I JOINT P&F Presidents 2022 We have had a wonderful start to 2022 with fantastic attendance at a range of community events.
The P&F Father Daughter Mass brought 700 dads and daughters to a beautiful Mass presided by Fr Ramesh Richards SJ. It was followed by a barbecue brunch of chat and community on the outskirts of Centenary Hall. Between the Father Daughter Mass and the following Tuesday’s Sausage Sizzle, our Year 8 mum and dad BBQers cooked 1700 sausages. It was a massive week on the tongs! Industry has been a large part of the P&F’s start to the school year. In keeping with our goal of being sustainable, we held many workshops to collect and sort secondhand uniforms. We then held a stall to on-sell good quality uniforms at a reduced price to many appreciative parents. Friendships new and old were enjoyed once again at the Welcome Cocktail Party. There seemed a heightened sense of excitement at being able to celebrate as a community on the school drive. Year balloons floated high, the full
moon shone over the Harbour, there was much loud chatter, intermingled with great tunes from the John Field Band. It was a wonderful evening and welcome back to the school year! We were especially excited to have Dr Larry Vogelnest, Senior Veterinarian, Taronga Wildlife Hospital and Hannah George, CEO Mary Ward International attend our P&F Lunch at the Sergeants’ Mess at Chowder Bay. It was a privilege to have such a high calibre of speakers. It was exciting for the Loreto Kirribilli and St Aloysius’ College P&F to join forces and host our first Companions in Learning Lunch at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. The lunch celebrated our schools’ co-companionship, which focuses on personal development, social justice, and extra-curricular activities. Upcoming events we are looking forward to are the Mother Daughter Mass on Sunday 15 May and our Loreto Kirribilli Sports Lunch at Luna Park’s Grand Ballroom on Friday 3 June.
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LK Connect MENTORING AND NETWORKING PROGRAM
In a truly inspiring LK Connect event on the future of content and communication, an outstanding panel of ex-students gave a fascinating insight into the worlds of advertising, television and digital media. The women shared a wealth of advice on the different ways they sought out and discovered their passions in their early careers. They also gave an insiders’ perspective on the significant changes the last two years have wrought in the workplace, and the strategies they are implementing to future-proof their organisations. Building resilience, overcoming adversity and fostering wellbeing were also discussed. The ex-students reflected on the critical role their time at Loreto Kirribilli played in inspiring their passions and shaping their futures. According to Camilla Ibrahim ('04), “Finding my passion ... actually started right here at Loreto and, funnily enough, right here on this stage! ...This is where I ... really fostered that love of language, of verbal communication and storytelling.” 2022 Vice Captain Olivia summed up the feeling of the audience when she thanked the panellists, declaring, “You are such distinguished women with
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such amazing careers ... I’m so excited to go into a workforce where there are women like you who are paving the way for us!” Thank you to our panellists: JESSICA TANCRED (’05)
Our facilitator Jessica is a communication expert with more than ten years’ experience as a radio and television reporter and producer. After five years at Channel 9’s Today Show, both in front of and behind the camera, she worked as a reporter on Seven Network’s Sunrise and in the newsroom. Jessica now works in corporate communications. KATIE MCGRATH (’89)
Katie joined Seven West Media as Chief People and Culture Officer in June 2017, leading the transformation and turnaround of the group to create one of Australia’s most successful media services companies. Katie is also the published author of Deadly Earth and advisor to the Government on domestic violence.
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SALLY KISSANE (‘86)
Sally is the CEO of Ogilvy Australia. In her 20+ years in the Ogilvy network, Sally has led teams in both Australia and New York across direct marketing and CRM, digital, public relations and advertising. Sally’s achievements also include improving the wider advertising industry, from developing junior talent to holding agencies accountable on diversity and inclusion. CAMILLA IBRAHIM (‘04)
Camilla is Communications and Public Affairs Manager at Google Australia, and has been with Google for almost five years. In her current role, she looks after media relations and storytelling for a range of products, including Google Search, Maps, devices, artificial intelligence and Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org. For further information about LK Connect please visit loreto.nsw.edu.au/connect/
Ex-Students' Union Celia Sheldon | Ex-StudentS' Union President
We have enjoyed a spirited start to the year. A very special Spirituality Day was held at Macquarie Park Cemetery in March. We came together to honour and reminisce about the thirty Loreto Sisters from Kirribilli who have been buried there since 1956. It was a beautiful afternoon. At the time of writing we are looking forward to our Movie Night at Roseville Cinema, to see the wonderful film, The Duke. These events are a great way to catch up and enjoy a fun evening while raising money for our bursaries. We look forward to seeing you at the next one. Theatre Party for 2022 has been changed from Mary Poppins, due to ticketing issues, but we are now looking forward to another fabulous production in Mamma Mia, on 23 October. Look out for ticket information coming soon.
REUNIONS CLASS OF ’90 Saturday 28 May 7pm Kirribilli Club alex_virginia@hotmail.com CLASS OF '72 Friday 28 October 6pm Balmoral Beach Club shane@sdtalent.com.au
The annual Card Day will go ahead this year at a new venue - Killara Golf Club, on Thursday 16 June. Tickets include morning tea, plenty of cards and a delicious lunch. For details and to book visit events.humanitix.com/card-day
CLASS OF '71 Saturday 29 October 5.30pm Kirribilli Club lkclassof71@gmail.com
Our Golf Day & Dinner is on again! All welcome. There is no need to have a Loreto Kirribilli connection to enjoy an action-packed day. If you can help with prizes, auction items or perhaps a sponsorship we would love to hear from you. Registration is open for the dinner or to play golf so gather your friends and playing buddies and book now.
CLASS OF '62 Saturday 30 July Roseville Golf Club gaihamer@pnc.com.au
GOLF DAY & DINNER THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
book now
events.humanitix.com/ golf2022
OUR DIARY DATES THURSDAY 16 JUNE Card Day at Killara Golf Club THURSDAY 8 SEPTEMBER Golf Day & Dinner at Manly Golf Club
18-holes Ambrose Golf
18-holes Golf & Dinner
Celia Sheldon (Roberts ’88) President Loreto Kirribilli Ex-Students’ Union exstudents@loreto.nsw.edu.au
Or just join us for dinner
SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER Theatre Party Chatswood Concourse
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Sharing our Community
SUPREME COURT JUDGE APPOINTMENT
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS FOR SERVICE TO BUSINESS
UNIVERSITY MEDAL FOR POLITICAL THEORY
Loreto Kirribilli Board Member and barrister Anna Mitchelmore SC ('93) has recently been appointed a Judge of Appeal to the Supreme Court of NSW. Called to the NSW Bar in 2004 and appointed Senior Counsel in 2018, this is the latest achievement in a distinguished legal career.
In the 2022 Australia Day Honours, Rachel Grimes (’85) was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to business in the field of accountancy, and to professional associations.
Juliette Marchant (’17) has recently been awarded the University of Sydney Medal for Outstanding Academic Achievement and the best thesis in Politics and International Relations. Juliette is studying a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney. She recently completed her Honours in Arts, majoring in Government and International Relations. Juliette’s political theory thesis focused on the works of the first female professor of government at Harvard University, Judith Shklar, a powerful, yet underappreciated woman in political thought.
Announcing her appointment, Attorney General Mark Speakman commented, "The NSW justice system is fortunate to have a practitioner of such standing serving on the bench of our Supreme Court.” Principal Anna Dickinson attended Judge Mitchelmore’s swearing in ceremony. “Anna has served as a member of our School Board offering her wise counsel in the governance of Loreto Kirribilli ... we wish her all the very best in her new appointment and thank her for her continual support and encouragement.”
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Rachel’s career spans over 30 years, working with Westpac, BT Financial Group and PWC, with her most recent role being Chief Financial Officer at ASX-listed investment management firm Challenger Ltd. Rachel is known for her astute accounting knowledge, her dynamic and inclusive leadership style, and her ability to achieve outcomes for the organisation, as well as for the team. Rachel is also an enthusiastic supporter of Loreto Kirribilli’s LK Connect Mentoring & Networking Program. She has been a strong advocate for Loreto schools across Australia, and her support and advocacy for our school has always been greatly appreciated.
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Alongside her university studies, Juliette coaches Debating at Loreto Kirribilli. The 2021 Senior A Debating team described Juliette as “an incredible mentor, teacher, and friend to us all, pushing us always to improve…who taught us more than the fundamentals of debating, but about love of all things nerdy!”
Sharing our Community TRAILBLAZER ENTERS TENNIS HALL OF FAME On January 25 this year at the Australian Open, ex-student and tennis great Joan Hartigan Bathurst (’28) was inducted into the Tennis Australia Hall of Fame. In the 1930s, Joan Hartigan was the dominant force in Australian tennis, winning the Australian Ladies’ Championship in 1933, 1934 and 1936. She was the first Australian woman to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals, which she did in both 1934 and 1935, ranking No.8 in the world at just 21 years of age, and touring with the Davis Cup team. Joan was a stylish presence on the court with her visor and pleated dresses. She competed bare-legged, as it had recently become acceptable for female players to play without their stockings! Born in Sydney, Joan attended Loreto Kirribilli from 1922-28. The family had a grass court at home, on which she would play with her father and friends. She won the Loreto Kirribilli Cup Lawn Tennis Singles Championship in 1927 and 1928. Joan was a popular drawcard at a time when the presence of women in the sport was growing, with the 1930s seeing the introduction of girls’ singles and doubles and the first women line-judges. Her on-court exuberance made her a popular player, idolised by school children who loved her hard-hitting forehand and light-hearted approach to the game. She loved returning to
Loreto Kirribilli and spending time with the students and talking to them about the importance of doing the best in their sport. Joan also enlisted in the Australian Army for a period during the Second World War. After the conflict, she married and lived most of her life in Sydney, before passing away at age 88 in 2000. Joan’s contribution to tennis was recognised during the Australian Open women’s centenary celebrations, when she was inducted into the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame alongside inaugural winner Margaret Molesworth. According to her son, former Chief Justice of NSW Tom Bathurst AC, (LK ’54), “She always talked about winning the Australian Championships and she won it three times. “People talked about her Wimbledon successes, but she loved the Australian
Championships and it was her crowning achievement. “The women’s tour is now headline at the Australian Open and that would have really pleased her, because she played only 10 years after women were allowed to play. She would mutter darkly about equal pay, but she was pleased with the advance of it.” Joan's daughter Mary Cook (Bathurst, Loreto Normanhurst ’69) joined her brother and other family members at the Australian Open for the unveiling of Joan's statue. "We are immensely proud of her achievements."
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Ex-Students’ News ENGAGEMENTS
Antonia Quinlivan (’06) | Gabriella McNamara (’13) Anthea Burton (’07) | Danielle Martin (’08) Kate Weber (’08) | Simone Longworth (’11) WEDDINGS
Ellen Camenzind (’11) to Andrew Mowbray | Isabella Russo (’15) to Andrea Vescio Laura Urwin (’10) to Matthew Young | Ashleigh-Blaise Webb (‘12) to Jay Mills Stefanie Thasler (’13) to Kevin Godfrey BIRTHS | DAUGHTERS
Camille Claire to Gabrielle Hartigan (Masson ’06) | Marigold Karen May to Ingrid-Grace Howe (‘03) Vivienne Mae to Emily Harrington (Anderson ’95) | Clementine Eve to Alice Burton (’05) Harriet Bernadette to Kate Weber (’08) | Rosie Clair to Alex Parker (’08) Sophia Simone Maureen to Emily Hartman (’08) BIRTHS | SONS
Matthew Charles to Sally Gainsbury (Monaghan ’00) | Hamish Campbell to Sarah Johnstone (Casey ’04) Asher Kevin to Lucy Jedlin (’08) | Harry Alexander to Annabelle Nash (Tait ’05) John Joseph Hogan to Alicia O’Connor (’00) | Asher Desmond to Melissa Miller (‘01) DEATHS | OUR COMMUNITY
Sister Christopher Neil ibvm (Florence Alice Therese) member of the Loreto Community Sister Genevieve Davey ibvm (Mary Cecily), member of the Loreto Community, Archivist 1991-2009, former Loreto Kirribilli teacher and ex-student of St Joseph’s and Loreto College, Ballarat Alison Brent, Head of Junior School 2007-2020 DEATHS | EX-STUDENTS
Ann McPhillips (Waterford ’53,) sister of Noreen Hawtrey (Waterford ’48) (dec)
| Moira Flitcroft (Holohan ’52)
Sara Bethell (’88) sister of Jane McCormack (Bethell ’83)
| Ann Edwards (Hegarty ’55)
Angele Sullivan (Grant ’55)
| Susan Donegan (’55)
| Pat O’Brien (Earngey ’59)
Kathryn Riisfeldt (Setright ’78), sister of Virginia Sutherland (Setright ’76) and Joanne Setright (’80) Susan Cali (McNally ’78), daughter of Sally McNally (Thomas ’51), sister of Jane Andrew (McNally ’77) and Margot Huckstepp (McNally ’81), aunt of Meghan Andrew (’05), Claire McNally (Year 12), Josephine McNally (Year 2) and niece of Jeanette Williams (Thomas ’55) (dec) Lorraine Grace (Hogan ’54), sister of Maureen Melly (Hogan ’55), 2006 Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (The Cross for the Church and Pontiff ), 2017 Dame of the Order of St. Gregory the Great Anne Linder (Fitzgerald ’59 ) aunt of Jeremy Martin (LK ’82) and Alison Martin (Roberts ’97), great aunt of Sophia Martin (Year 10), Louella Roberts (Year 8) and Molly Roberts (Year 5) Jane Bertinshaw (’74), mother of Lucinda Huijer (’12) and Zoe Huijer (’14) and Loreto Kirribilli Junior School teacher DEATHS | RELATIVES OF EX-STUDENTS
Moyra Mitchelmore, mother of Luanne Mitchelmore (’79), Jane Thackray (Mitchelmore ’84) and Suallyn Mitchelmore (’89) John McCooe, father of Katherine McCooe (’05) and Nicola McCooe (’09) Jean O’Brien, mother of Frances O’Brien (’80)