Loreto Life 2018 Issue

Special Edition 2018: Celebrating the Leadership of Ms Barbara Watkins

SPECIAL EDITION

3 PATHWAYS OF LORETO

LORETO FEDERATION

Celebrate with us to commemorate the leadership of Ms Barbara Watkins

We are a faith-centred, person-centred and ecologycentred school.

Loreto women came together at Loreto Federation to 'Be the Change! '

— Cover — The cover of this special edition of Loreto Life features Ms Barbara Watkins celebrating her leadership of Loreto Normanhurst.

— Acknowledgements — Thank you to the Loreto Life Editorial Team led by Mrs Clare Friend, Marketing and Communications Manager, and supported

by Ms Barbara Watkins, Principal, Ms Grace Paraino, Dean of Development and Alumni and Mrs Alicia Maunsell, Director of Development. Thank you also to all our contributing authors and photographers. Design by frescocreative.com.au

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Contents SPECIAL EDITION 2018: CELEBRATING THE LEADERSHIP OF MS BARBARA WATKINS

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A MOMENT WITH OUR CAPTAINS

OUR THREE STRATEGIC PATHWAYS

THE KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAM

We talk to our School Captain and Vice Captain from the Class of 2018.

We explore our faith-centred, person-centred and ecology-centred pathways.

We take a look at the new Primary School Kitchen Garden Program.

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FAREWELLING MS BARBARA WATKINS

STARTING OUR LORETO JOURNEY

THE DROUGHT

We celebrate the leadership of Ms Barbara Watkins.

Two Year 7 students talk to us about the start of their Loreto journey.

Four of our boarders explain the impact of the drought on their rural communities.

— Also in this edition — From our Chairman

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If she can see it, she can be it!

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Alumni News

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From our Principal

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Leading change and influence

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Loreto Parents

44

Loreto Federation: 'Be the change!'

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Women Speak Up!

33

Connect with us

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Music Festival

16

Loreto Farewells

34

Loreto Day and House of Welcome

24

HSC Results

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From our

Chair "LEAVE AFTER YOU SOMETHING ON WHICH OTHERS MAY BUILD." – MOTHER GONZAGA BARRY

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s this year came to a close, we had the joy of celebrating the leadership of Ms Barbara Watkins after 18 years at Loreto Normanhurst, initially as Deputy Principal and then from 2008 as Principal.

It has been a privilege working with Barbara over the last 10 years, first as a parent and member of the Finance Committee and then as a Director of the School Board. I have always been impressed by her professionalism, educational expertise, leadership of the school community, dedication, wise counsel and integrity.

I can say with great confidence that Barbara’s time at Loreto Normanhurst has seen her make a lasting and significant mark in the story of our community and the greater success of the School. She has honoured and followed the charism of Mary Ward and nourished this in the lives of students, staff and families over the years. Barbara has also generously given her gifts to the broader Loreto network, serving on the Loreto Schools of Australia Committee (LSAC) and the Loreto Schools Principals’ Forum.

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Under Barbara’s stewardship the school has flourished. She has led the evolution of the award-winning Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model since its inception, envisioned and led the historic reopening of the Teresa Ball Primary Centre and foresaw the benefits of the modern, flexible learning spaces of the Gonzaga Barry Centre. She has executed two strategic plans to great effect and under her leadership, the School has finalised the 30-year Master Plan that will launch Loreto Normanhurst into the next stage of its development and secure its success well into the future.

Barbara always has the students at the centre of any decision. “What is best for the girls”, frames all decision making processes which Barbara leads. The dedication and focus that she brings to her tasks each day, and the extra effort she makes in the desire for students to be and become all that they can, have been exemplary.

Her time at Loreto Normanhurst has been felicitous: full of cheer, joy, hope, optimism, courtesy, positive thinking, inner peace and self-acceptance. Barbara is, in Mary Ward’s words, a “cheerful giver”.

This cheerful spirit and gentle strength will be missed in corridors and classrooms, on the sidelines of playing fields, around the table of the School Board and at community celebrations of the school.

If we look at Mary Ward’s desire for freedom, justice, sincerity, verity and felicity, we see Barbara at work. While these values hold true today as much as they did in the 15th century, we typically use a more contemporary vocabulary: commitment, integrity, leadership, discernment, grace and compassion.

I have full confidence that Barbara’s steady leadership has ensured the school will continue to thrive and meet the needs of the community into the 21st century under the care of incoming Principal, Ms Marina Ugonotti.

I would like to formally thank and acknowledge the legacy that Barbara has created. As Mother Gonzaga Barry said, “leave after you something on which others may build.” Barbara has certainly done this.

MR ANDREW QUOYLE Chair, Loreto Normanhurst School Board

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CELEBRATION ISSUE

From our

Principal CELEBRATING THE PAST, BUILDING THE FUTURE

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s the door closes on my time at Loreto Normanhurst I give thanks for the journey. It has been full of growth and challenge for me as well as incredible joy and love. Rarely in life do we have the opportunity to do something we love to do, in a place that makes our heart sing – for me that has been my time at Loreto Normanhurst.

"Our community weaves together to make a fine and beautiful cloth that shows the uniqueness of the individual and the beauty of us all – together we make a thing of beauty."

Our community is robust – able to handle whatever comes. Our community is faith filled and values driven – this warms our heart and soul and drives us all on to do better things for others and the world. Our community is all about young people, their

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growth, their well-being and their happiness – this is palpable in our school. Our community is about the power of women and of gentle feminism which is certainly what the world needs.

I give thanks for the community, the IBVM who believed in me, the School Board and my colleagues who have supported me, the parents who have always been warm and caring towards me and of course the students who accepted me lovingly as Deputy Principal and then as Principal, and who inspire me daily. I will miss you all.

I wish Ms Ugonotti every success on her journey as Principal and know that our great community will now wrap her in this beautiful cloak of many colours so that she too may do what Mary Ward wanted – to give young women the best education and therefore the best start in life so that… “women in time to come will do much”.

With prayers of peace and hope, MS BARBARA WATKINS Principal, 2008-2018

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LEADERSHIP

A moment with

Our Captains AS PART OF THE CLASS OF 2018, WE FELT EXTREMELY PRIVILEGED AND HONOURED TO REPRESENT OUR COHORT AND THE GREATER SCHOOL COMMUNITY IN THE YEAR OF JUSTICE.

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e knew from the very first moment we were announced as captains that we would thrive together as a leadership team. Ably supported by the Student Council and of course our fellow Year 12s, this past year has revealed to us both the successes and challenges of representing a community as diverse and special as ours is at Loreto Normanhurst.

Amongst the busyness and pressures of our final year of schooling, leadership and the tasks that come with it have certainly been challenging, in particular, managing our time between school work, writing speeches, participating in events across all sectors of Loreto life and reserving time for rest and recreation – we definitely took some time to discern just how to maintain such a balance, especially with the constant presence of the HSC exams. However, the end result of all of our leadership efforts

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across the year were extremely rewarding and well worth the time and effort we put in.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of our role was found in the relationships we made with students, staff and the inspiring women and men we met at various events along the way. From attending luncheons with older ex-students celebrating their jubilee year of graduation, travelling to Melbourne to collaborate with the captains of Loreto school’s nationwide, having the privilege of listening to the inspirational and informative speakers at this year’s Loreto Federation, and of course being able to meet an array of impressive guest speakers at assemblies – we have been warmly invited into Loreto’s incredible network and as a result, have made lasting friendships with people we otherwise might not have had the pleasure of knowing.

Of course, such experiences would not have been possible without the support

of our Principal Ms Watkins and Deputy Principal Ms Ugonotti, who together were the best example for us to follow when seeking leadership skills and certainly inspired us to be a leadership team as dynamic, hardworking and charismatic as they are.

Both of these extraordinary women shaped us within our positions and kept us on the right track throughout the year, always leaving their doors open for us and always ready with advice and guidance whenever we needed it.

For all these experiences and lessons learned we are extremely grateful and also very excited to pass on our positions as School Captain and Vice Captain to Evelyn and Anastasia, who will undoubtedly do an incredible job in the Year of Sincerity.

YVETTE CROUCH AND JESSICA DRUMMOND School Captain and Vice Captain 2018

Boarding Captain: Clodagh Bray Boarding Vice Captain: Sophie Stanley

Communication/SRC Captain: Angelina Gu Creative Arts Captain: Alexandra Reeks Liturgy Captain: Claire Phillips Music Captain: Yasmine Barraket Performing Arts Captain: Lily Black Social Justice Captain: Dominica Leaver Sport Captain: Tatum Bird

Kendall: Isabelle Hatton Kuring-gai: Isabella Davey Maye: Eliza Harvey Mornane: Kiarra Williams-Browne Mulhall: Lucy Beer Ward: Georgia Abbott

EXTRA-CURRICULAR CAPTAINS

HOUSE CAPTAINS

Academic Activities Captain: Gabrielle Couter

Aston: Rachel Osborne Barry: Isabella Hamblin

Riarna Anderson, Lily Finlayson, Georgina Arthur, Bella Kakkavos, Kiara Barnes and Leana Scott

School Captain: Yvette Crouch School Vice Captain: Jessica Drummond

BOARDING SCHOOL

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BOARDER COUNCILLORS

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We are

Faith-centred "I HAVE COME SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL”, SAID JESUS (JOHN 10:10).

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hese words are at the heart of the Church’s mission, the ‘Mission of God’, and here at Loreto Normanhurst they speak to us of Justice as a way of being, living and leading. Justice is about enabling the human spirit to flourish and enabling life, for all, to be experienced in its fullness.

In celebrating the Loreto value of Justice this year, we have reflected on how best to respond to this invitation and create the right relationships we are called to work for in the complexities of our 21st century world.

Justice is challenging for it takes us beyond self-interest into wanting, for everyone, and indeed for all creation, that great feast of life. This is God’s justice and we are asked to embody it, to make it real in our world.

It begins, as it did for Mary Ward, by letting God be God in our lives, by placing ourselves in God’s hands, to be turned this way or that, as Mary said. And like Mary, true to our Ignatian spiritual tradition, we listen, look, reflect and discern the needs of our world and take action.

Each member of the Loreto Normanhurst community is called to be a ‘person for others’. It is the most powerful way of leadership. It is the way we let God speak most eloquently through our lives. In all aspects of Loreto Normanhurst life and for all members of the community it is the source and summit of all we do.

MS KERRY MCCULLOUGH Spirituality and Liturgy Coordinator

JUSTICE PRAYER Creator God, source of all life, We marvel at the beauty and excellence within everything you have created.

In our difference, you made us and love us.

Through our search to seek and understand the message of your son Jesus, we open ourselves to belong to the Kingdom of God. Free our minds to recognise the needs of the world, locally and globally.

Give us the wisdom and the conviction to realise that through right relationships with you and each other, we have the power to bring about a more just world.

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May we give generously and willingly, without expecting anything in return, as we challenge all that leads to injustice.

We pray that our God who liberates, empowers and motivates, will be with us as we work for justice with the gifts of humility and compassion.

Enable us to be disciples of your love and peace.

Following the example of Mary Ward, assist us in being ‘seekers of truth and doers of justice’.

Hear our prayer which we ask in Jesus’ name.

– Amen

The values that Mary Ward spoke of and left us in her writings, and indeed lived herself, were firmly grounded in her faith in God and her love for Jesus.

"Her desire for Justice, through having harmonious relationships with God, with other people and with the whole of Creation, is at the heart of what God calls us to be and to do."

My experience as the Liturgy Captain for 2017-18 in the Year of Justice allowed me to see what it means to be a young woman of faith in the 21st Century and the ways we can live out the value of Justice in the complexities of today’s world.

Through the love and guidance of the Loreto Normanhurst community, I feel that I have not only grown in my understandings of Gospel values, but also have been liberated and empowered to use my gifts for the betterment of others. My time at Loreto Normanhurst has allowed me to see God’s love in the ordinary moments of life and how we live with this love in the choices we make and how we relate to others.

As I graduate from Loreto, I have a sincere appreciation for all that Loreto has blessed me with and as I move beyond the school gates, I feel confident that I will have the courage to speak up for what I hold to be true.

CLAIRE PHILLIPS Liturgy Captain, 2018

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FAITH-CENTRED

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Person-centred IN ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF OUR STUDENTS IN AN EVERCHANGING WORLD, WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW WE ENGAGE OUR STUDENTS, STAFF AND PARENTS IN OUR FACE CURRICULUM.

A PERSON FOR OTHERS Authenticity is central to working in a Loreto school. Staff members must develop a personal understanding of the vision and mission of the school so each one of us can contribute to the holistic nature of the education that is offered and connect with this deeply.

As Loreto people we believe nourishing the person spiritually, emotionally and physically helps to develop people who see beyond themselves and commit to others.

Our Staff Spirituality Day this year, was a day of service. It was a day where all staff put into action what “being a person for others” means, regardless of their position in the school, their religious beliefs or affiliations or the type of daily work they undertake. Such a day enables staff the opportunity to serve others or to be people for others and move beyond their area of comfort to experience what we ask our students to experience through community service.

As a community we attempted to put Ignatian Action into practice by responding to the Calls of the IBVM: • Call 1: Reclaim the freshness of the Gospel, allowing Jesus to transform our lives • Call 2: Bring those forced to live in poverty to the centre of our life and ministry • Call 3: Go where the need is greatest

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• Call 4: Live sustainably discerning what is enough • Call 5: Create the oneness that moves us across boundaries So, we set off in 21 different directions to respond to our Loreto mission and worked with many different organisations to engage with the community in a volunteer capacity and to put our Loreto principles into action.

It allowed us the opportunity for staff formation and relationship building across all sectors of the workplace and was truly an amazing day.

MRS LIBBY PARKER Director of Mission

IGNITING PASSION There is an abundance of worldwide research that clearly supports the benefits of extracurricular activities for students and we see this occurring every single day. In a world where our students are enveloped in social media and screen time, the ability to build connectedness with each other and school is critical.

When students feel connected, they engage and learn. On average Loreto Normanhurst has more than 70% of students participating in an extra-curricular activity each year. Our students enjoy the opportunity to explore a diverse range of

skills and interests outside the classroom, developing leadership attributes, resilience and grit, dealing with success and failure, improving academic performance, lowering stress levels and making new friends.

After surveying more than 700 students in the senior school this year, the results overwhelmingly showed that the top reasons for participating in extra-curricular activities were to make friends and connect with students who have similar interests, to develop their gifts, talents and skills outside the classroom, to develop leadership and teamwork skills and to demonstrate and/or achieve success outside the classroom.

Participating in extra-curricular activities also means students are going above and beyond their school requirements, committing regular time, showing initiative and maximising their passions by being involved in our wide program of sports, activities, music ensembles, clubs and teams, oratory competitions, academic activities and private tuition opportunities.

In a world where standards are high and everything is more complex and competitive, the lessons students learn from participating in meaningful extra-curricular activities are life-long and help students to discover the very best version of themselves.

MRS CHRIS WOODS Dean of Extra-Curricular

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PERSON-CENTRED

PARTNERING WITH PARENTS Parental engagement plays an important role in student learning and wellbeing. While seeking to raise awareness of the benefits of partnerships between families and schools, it also aims to equip parents with skills to become more involved, to work together with the school to support the holistic development of their daughters.

Parents play a critical role in providing learning opportunities at home and linking what is learnt at school, with what happens elsewhere. By facilitating diverse learning experiences and conversations outside school, parents become an important factor in their child’s overall education.

Research has shown that greater parental engagement has a positive impact on student achievement and development including greater engagement in school work, better

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social skills and a greater sense of personal competence and efficacy for learning.

Loreto Normanhurst seeks to engage parents in their daughters’ education in a range of ways which place value on building relationships through open and transparent conversations. Holistic and academic plenaries provide an opportunity for a three-way conversation, facilitated by the student, offering reflections on all areas of the FACE (Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-Curricular) curriculum.

Parents are encouraged to engage with the school’s pastoral programs by attending parent workshops which are underpinned by evidenced-based programs such as Healthy Minds and the Resourceful Adolescent Program. These workshops provide parents with a greater understanding of a teenager’s emotional experiences, whilst

teaching skills that will assist parents to be supportive and connected with their daughters. Parent Forums are also offered on topical issues, such as Drugs & Alcohol and Cybersafety, which also aim to assist parents to better navigate the adolescent world with their daughters.

Some of our most rewarding work comes through the listening and sharing with families, where we find ourselves in a trusting relationship working towards common goals. It is important that our students see teachers and parents working together, each holding their best interests at the core of what we do.

MRS LYNN LONG Director of Pastoral Care

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ECOLOGY-CENTRED

We are

Ecology-centred ACROSS THE SCHOOL STUDENTS EMBRACE OUR ECOLOGY-CENTRED PATHWAY WITH COMMITMENT, INNOVATION AND DEDICATION.

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hat a tremendous year Loreto Normanhurst had in moving towards a more ecological-friendly school.

The Green Team worked tirelessly over the course of the year and made many impactful ecological changes, both within Loreto Normanhurst and the wider community.

Some of our major successes include the banning of plastic straws, cups and cutlery at the school canteens and in the boarding school dining room and common rooms. This was a result of consistent and determined campaigning and negotiations by the Green Team and key staff members.

We supported several causes throughout the year including Project Uplift which involves the collection and recycling of bras which are given to women in disadvantaged communities and Mobile Muster which recycles mobile phones, batteries and chargers.

Another major event in the ecology life of the school was the screening of Blue, which is a powerful marine conservation film. Green Team’s successful advertisement of the film drew large numbers of students, parents and staff and was a powerful way to raise awareness about the concerning extent of marine pollution and depletion

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of fish stocks and encouraged participation in the conservation of our oceans.

In line with this, another ecological campaign which was spearheaded by the Green Team was a letter writing campaign to the then Prime Minister and Minister for the Environment and Energy. Our letter expressed the Loreto Normanhurst community’s deep concern about the construction of the Adani Coal Mine which will have devastating environmental impacts and is proposed to be constructed on the lands of two Aboriginal communities. Over 100 students signed this letter to ensure our politicians are hearing the voice of young, environmentally-aware Australians.

Boarders were inspired by their home town ‘Boomerang Bag’ systems and initiated the ‘Boarding Boomerang Bags’. These canvas bags are kept in Boarder Reception for girls to grab for shopping which means we are reducing the plastic bags we use from small businesses who are yet to ban the use of plastic bags.

As a school community, we also celebrated several days which promote ecological conservation. We celebrated ‘Earth Hour’ in March, wherein all electricity was switched off throughout the school for one hour in order to highlight the need for

climate action. We also celebrated ‘Snug as a Bug in a Rug Day’ in July. On this day, we turned off the heating in the school and all students rugged up in casual clothes in order to conserve energy and raise awareness about the difficulties for those who do not have the luxury of heating as we do. World Environment Day was another important day in the ecological calendar of the school.

"This was celebrated in June and was marked by the handing out of merits to students with plastic free lunches. We were pleasantly surprised about how many merits we were able to give out."

The Green Team’s work assists in ensuring that Loreto Normanhurst fulfils its commitment to be an Ecology-centred School. As Year 12 leaves Loreto Normanhurst and continues to make an impact on the world around them, we are grateful for the opportunities that Green Team has given us to kick start our passion for ecology and our drive to make change.

ELIZABETH ISAAC, CLODAGH BRAY AND DOMINICA LEAVER Year 12, 2018

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The Kitchen

Garden Program “HE WHO KNOWS WHAT SWEETS AND VIRTUES ARE IN THE GROUND, THE WATERS, THE PLANTS, THE HEAVENS, AND HOW TO COME AT THESE ENCHANTMENTS, IS THE RICH AND ROYAL MAN.” – RALPH WALDO EMERSON

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ne evening I was watching the Channel 10 show, Shark Tank. It was the episode where a covered, self-watering raised garden bed called a ‘Vegepod’ was being pitched. The product was successful in gaining support from one of the ‘Sharks’ and the rest, as they say, is history. An idea began to germinate and gain momentum, as it had been a long-held dream to create a veggie patch in the primary school. So, we began to research and came across the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.

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The not-for-profit foundation was established by Australian cook, restaurateur and food writer, Stephanie Alexander in 2004. Stephanie felt the growing obesity problem in Australia and internationally was largely caused by people simply not knowing how to prepare fresh, nutritious and importantly delicious food. She identified school-based intervention as the key to tackling this issue, as a poor relationship with food often begins in childhood, while positive food habits are created when children are having fun.

Research has shown that students who have hands-on experience of growing their own fresh produce want to cook it and try it, creating behavioural change that will form positive food habits for life. In addition, independent evaluations by the University of Wollongong, Deakin University and the University of Melbourne have validated the success of the program.

The third pathway in the Loreto Normanhurst Strategic Plan is a commitment to an ecology–centred school.

The primary school team agreed that

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SUSTAINABILITY

the creation of a kitchen garden would help to develop in students an ecological sensitivity where their actions reflect a care for God’s creation. In addition, it creates an ethical responsibility for decisions which promote sustainability across all areas of the community, within and outside Loreto Normanhurst.

So, we ordered the necessary items for the kitchen garden and planned and gained great expertise from Mr Chris Howell, our onsite gardener from Landscape Solutions.

The girls donned their gardening gloves and the Primary School Kitchen Garden Program began.

"The girls commenced the process of potting, planting and watering with gusto. We started by planting tomatoes, parsley, basil, chives, radish, beans, carrots, zucchini, cucumber and lettuce and due to much rain, the veggie patch exploded."

One of the greatest benefits of the Primary School Kitchen Garden Program is the ability to stimulate a sense of appreciation and respect for the environment through inquiry-based learning experiences that have links to the NSW syllabi – enhancing collaboration, critical thinking, team work, an understanding of cause and effect and increased levels of observation. It will also provide opportunities to deepen student knowledge of environmental sustainability and gain a real-world experience of what it means to be an ecology-centred school.

MRS MARYANNE DWYER Head of Primary

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FEDERATION

Loreto Federation

‘Be the Change!’

“FEDERATE SO AS TO SHARE ALL THE GOOD THAT IS DONE BY EACH, HAVE ENTHUSIASM FOR YOUR CAUSE, BE EARNEST, BE PERSEVERING, HUMBLE, AND WITH GOD’S AID YOU WILL SUCCEED.” — MOTHER GONZAGA BARRY

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onnections, collaborations and networking are so important for us as human beings and in today’s increasingly complex and busy world, most people rely on a community for the everyday necessities of life and here at Loreto Normanhurst, there is something really lovely, and quite indescribable, about being part of our community.

At Loreto Federation in May this year, we witnessed this Loreto network and community-building in full swing.

Loreto women of all ages and from all over Australia came to connect, discuss, discern and get ready to ‘do’ something to the ‘Be the Change’.

During the course of the event, there were around 400 people from Loreto schools across Australia, and beyond our borders, who attended various sessions that spoke to the theme ‘Be the Change’. It was a weekend of purpose – full of inspiration, challenge, and practical action, with robust discussion and thought-provoking presentations by outstanding speakers.

There were many Loreto Normanhurst

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ex-students who shared their talents and gifts at Federation, led by Federation Committee Co-Chairs Penny Graham ('84) and Jane Parker (neé Anderson '84). Our discussions for the weekend were wide ranging from Catholic social teachings, to indigenous issues, from social entrepreneurism and awareness, to looking after our land. All the speakers and contributors were enthralling.

The energising days were capped off by fantastic evening events with a beautiful liturgy in the Chapel to open the event and a superb cocktail party on Friday night in the Reception Room where we listened to the extraordinary talent of Ms Katie Hardyman (Class of ’88) as she played for us, accompanied by our beautiful singers and musicians. On Saturday evening we attended the Federation Dinner in the city where we raised funds for Loreto Rumbek and listened to an outstanding performance from Elise McCann (Class of ’02) as she performed a medley of songs from musical theatre that she has been involved in, including from her famous role of Miss Honey in Matilda.

The final session on Sunday, in particular, titled ‘Taking on the Change’,

featured three Loreto Normanhurst exstudents who have founded organisations or created movements that have impacted change on issues of today – one of the pinnacles of a Loreto education. Stephanie Lorenzo (’02), founder and former CEO of Project Futures, which raises awareness and funds to combat human trafficking; Michelle Leonard OAM (’88), founder, artistic director and conductor of Moorambilla Voices, a nationally-awarded program which provides life-changing opportunities for kids in the country to sing, dance and create incredible performances; and Rhonda Daly (’71) who is reshaping global farming practices for ethical food production, aligned with sustainability and economics, through YLAD Living Soils, a company that she cofounded in 2002.

Federation was a wonderful weekend and one that encouraged us on as Loreto people to work together to find new ways to impact positive change in our sphere of influence and our world.

MS GRACE PARAINO Dean of Development and Alumni

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Loreto Normanhurst

Music Festival THIS YEAR’S MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, THEMED CELEBRATING PROTEST AND PEACE THROUGH SONG, ALSO FEATURED A SPECIAL SURPRISE PERFORMANCE FOR MS BARBARA WATKINS, TO COMMEMORATE HER LAST MUSIC FESTIVAL AS PRINCIPAL OF LORETO NORMANHURST.

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t this year’s highly anticipated Music Festival, it was my privilege to co-host such an amazing and captivating event with Lily. Prior to the spectacular evening, I worked diligently with each of the eight House Conductors to make sure the girls were on schedule to achieve their goals for the event.

As this year was Ms Watkins’ last Music Festival as Principal of Loreto Normanhurst, we put together a special surprise performance incorporating the whole school community. A talented group of students performed a medley of songs with the choral accompaniment of the whole school.

"It was incredible to hear the International Convention Centre resonate with beautiful voices, leaving Ms Watkins with feelings of celebration and sadness, but also immense joy and pride to see the hard work and dedication of the Loreto community."

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As Music Captain, I had to overcome many obstacles, but without these challenges I definitely would not be the person I am today. To accomplish such a big task has helped me to grow further as an individual, developing my leadership and communication skills which I will take beyond the school gates. With the guidance of the amazing music staff it was one of my greatest experiences to be Music Captain and was definitely a highlight of my six years at Loreto Normanhurst.

YASMINE BARRAKET Music Captain, 2018

As the 2017-18 Performing Arts Captain it has been a privilege to work alongside the numerous staff and students at Loreto Normanhurst to ensure performances and events ran smoothly and professionally.

However, none of it would have been possible without the constant guidance and support of Ms Watkins.

When I was first elected into my role I didn’t know other members of the student council very well and I was very

self-conscious of the way I presented myself to new staff members and other leaders, yet Ms Watkins gathered us all together and said, “take a look around you, these girls and staff members are your team and they are here to support you and look after you when things don’t go to plan, which they won’t on some occasions.”

Ms Watkins’ words taught me that it was okay to make mistakes and take risks because everyone around me was in the same position working their way towards new ideas and successes. I definitely would not have been able to co-host the Music Festival without Yasmine by my side which makes me so proud of the entire school community for supporting each other to reach their goals.

Organising the special performance for Ms Watkins was the highlight of the night.

It was so moving to see the expression of gratitude from every student for Ms Watkins’ dedication and incredible wisdom which she has generously bestowed upon us and I know she will be greatly missed by everyone.

LILY BLACK Performing Arts Captain, 2018

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PROTEST AND PEACE THROUGH SONG

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Celebrating the leadership of

“CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE OUR CHALLENGING YET WONDERFUL WORLD WITH YOUR INNER BEAUTY AND LIMITLESS JOY. WE WISH YOU WELL; WE CELEBRATE YOU; CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL.”

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s a Loreto community, we celebrated Ms Barbara Watkins’ service to Loreto Normanhurst and expressed our appreciation and gratitude for her loving, generous work over the past 18 years. Barbara’s time at Loreto Normanhurst has seen her make a lasting and significant mark in the story of our community and the greater success of the school and for that we give thanks.

A series of farewell events honoured Barbara’s leadership of Loreto Normanhurst joyfully, graciously, spiritually and musically.

Staff, students, parents, ex-students, members of the IBVM and the school Board along with members of the wider Loreto community joined together to recognise and honour the outstanding and long lasting contributions she has made to the Loreto community.

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CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST It was wonderful and very moving to gather as a school community with Barbara’s family, special guests, Board members, Fr Gleeson and Fr Stoney and members of the IBVM at a whole school Celebration of the Eucharist to acknowledge her faithful service and leadership of Loreto Normanhurst. The celebration reflected the love, warmth and gratitude the school community has for Barbara and we gave thanks for her stewardship and friendship and wished her well, knowing that our gratitude and love goes with her.

CURRENT & PAST PARENTS & EX-STUDENTS COCKTAIL PARTY Current and past parents and ex-students from across many year groups gathered together to celebrate Barbara and to wish her well. It was a great gathering of friends from

over so many year groups and the joy in the room was full of generosity and warmth.

The speeches from parents, past and present and ex-students encapsulated the wonderful camaraderie that is our school.

STAFF CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST AND COCKTAIL PARTY Current and past staff gathered together at a beautiful Celebration of the Eucharist in the school Chapel followed by a cocktail party in the gardens.

"Many fond memories were shared and enjoyed with much love and laughter as staff reminisced about their time with Barbara over the years."

Maria Regina Angelorum

CELEBRATION ISSUE

“Leave after you something on which others may build.”

– MOTHER GONZAGA BARRY –

“I remember being so nervous when I first started at Loreto in the Primary school but Ms Watkins displayed such warmth and kindness she made me feel at home and at ease. She has made the school an environment that everyone can be comfortable in and has inspired many girls to become true Loreto women.”

– MADELINE STUDDERT, YEAR 8 –

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“Work is love made visible.”

– THE PROPHET, "ON WORK"

BY KAHLIL GIBRAN –

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CELEBRATION ISSUE

“Ms Watkins, you have changed my life and I will be a better person because of you. You have taught me that it is okay not to be perfect. I will always think of you and how you believe so much in all of us and in the power of being a girl, and I am forever grateful for the path that you have paved for me.”

– MYA SAN DIEGO, YEAR 10 –

“Your love, guidance and support have brought us to this day. As your journey continues, our gratitude and love go with you.”

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— Farewell Assembly for Ms Watkins —

“You have led us with passion, generosity and wisdom.”

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CELEBRATION ISSUE

“Perhaps the most important quality of Ms Watkins and her legacy of leadership is the personal impact she has on girls and staff alike.”

– EVELYN O’BRIEN, YEAR 12 –

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SOCIAL JUSTICE

Loreto Day & House of Welcome JUSTICE, ONE OF THE KEY VALUES SO TREASURED BY STAFF AND STUDENTS AT LORETO NORMANHURST, WAS THE CATALYST FOR THE BOND FORGED BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE HOUSE OF WELCOME.

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ncreasingly distressed by Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers detained at off-shore islands in poor living conditions and, in more recent days, without financial support, the school began a relationship with the House of Welcome. Over the years has involved supporting the food bank, providing work experience and employment, taking part in letter writing campaigns and awareness raising. When two asylum seeker women, one heavily pregnant, moved into the Loreto Sisters’ house next door to the school, the Loreto Normanhurst community rallied. Prams, clothes, linen, nappies, toys and a car seat were donated to welcome the baby girl’s arrival just before Christmas 2017.

The generosity of Loreto Normanhurst, under the leadership of Ms Barbara Watkins, has been extraordinary not only for its practical support of the House of Welcome but for its engagement in the Work and Welcome program. This program, funded by staff salary sacrificing, provides a term’s paid work experience for an asylum seeker or refugee in the school. To date nine people have been involved in the program at the school. This has absolutely transformed the lives of these people whose life experiences have been traumatic and desperate.

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The House of Welcome is living proof that ‘from little things big things grow.’

Now an organisation with nine staff and an amazing band of 100 volunteers, it came into being 17 years ago when a small ecumenical group, of which I was a member, gathered in Villawood to see how we could respond to the plight of asylum seekers released from the Villawood Detention Centre.

Under the umbrella of the NSW Ecumenical Council, supported by the dioceses of Sydney and Parramatta and the Franciscan Friars, the House of Welcome began to take shape, housed in a disused butcher’s shop in Carramar, bought by the Franciscans.

Meetings were held, counselling made available, English and computer classes provided, a food bank established and community meals brought people together.

Houses and flats, often owned by religious congregations, were offered for use by the House of Welcome. Later the Franciscan Friars generously took on the responsibility for the House of Welcome and it is now one of the works of St. Francis Social Services.

One of the issues facing the House of Welcome is the government decision to cut funding support for asylum seekers applying for visas. Removing this support will likely put around 7,000 people in situations of destitution. Some may find

work but the rest will be left with nothing.

The House of Welcome, along with other agencies, has asked the government to reconsider this harsh decision while appealing to the public for funds, food and household items. The House of Welcome receives no government funding and is totally reliant on the support of people in the community.

"Loreto Day this year was such a joyous, yet socially aware, support for the House of Welcome."

Much money was raised but, more importantly, the girls really engaged with the issues, took great care with the planning of the Eucharist and responded to the needs of the House of Welcome with compassion and enthusiasm. As a Loreto Sister, Loreto Normanhurst Board member and one of the founders of the House of Welcome, I applaud Ms Barbara Watkins’ leadership and when it comes to social justice and the care of those living in poverty, the challenges she gives the girls to use their gifts and talents in the service of others is outstanding – we will miss her.

SR LIBBY ROGERSON IBVM

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Starting our

Loreto journey WE ASKED TWO YEAR 7 STUDENTS WHAT THE START OF THEIR LORETO JOURNEY HAS BEEN LIKE. SASKIA CHAPMAN – YEAR 7 What has been the best event at the school for you this year and why?

The best day for me this year was Loreto Day because it’s such a good cause raising money for people in need and it was so fun to see all the different House stalls. Also the performances at the end of the day is a really good way to finish an amazing day.

beginning of the school year also made it really helpful to get to know everyone and make new friends.

Three words that sum up Loreto Normanhurst for you?

Welcoming, considerate (towards the environment and the people) and positive.

What is your favourite subject and why?

This term I’ve really been enjoying Wood Technology. It’s really fun learning different skills and seeing it all come together. I also enjoyed Food Technology last semester. It was fun and really enjoyable because I got to work as part of a team and we had to come up with our own recipes. This helped build my skills in the kitchen as well as my team work skills as we had to compromise and rotate jobs when we were cooking.

LUCY DALTON – YEAR 7

How easy was it to transitioning from the primary school to secondary school?

I found it easy to transition to secondary school because I knew my way around the school a little bit and I had some friends coming to Loreto with me. The camp at the

Have you participated in any extracurricular activities this year?

I have participated in Pilates, IGSSA Netball, Hills Netball and Touch Football.

I enjoyed all of these extra-curriculars. As I am in Year 7, it was a great stress-free way to

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What do you think are the main differences between primary school and secondary school?

The biggest change and adjustment between primary school and secondary school was the size of the school and amount of people. It was very strange to begin with as I had come from quite a small primary school, but now I love having so many places to go and so many people around to make friends with.

meet many new people and have fun while doing it. My favourites were probably Touch Football and IGSSA Netball as I met some great new friends and really enjoyed the sports with great coaches.

What makes a day at school a good day?

It is hard to not have a good day at Loreto, but there are many things to help you have an even better day. Tutor group always helps to brighten your day as there are so many different people to make you laugh. House time can also be heaps of fun when we do different kind of competitions between the Houses which always makes it interesting and loads of fun.

Three words that sum up Loreto Normanhurst for you?

My three words to sum up Loreto would be Community, Food and Fun! This is because each day I can experience all of these.

Community is everywhere, within your tutor group, House, year, sports, class, whole school and so much more. There is also food everywhere throughout the year, whether it’s a class party, birthday or sports pizza lunch. And of course every Loreto day is so much fun.

OUR JOURNEY

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The Drought

Our Boarders' Perspective FOUR OF OUR BOARDING STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT THEIR LIVES AS BOARDERS FROM THE LAND AND COUNTRY TOWNS OF NSW, HIGHLIGHTING THE CHALLENGE AND THE GREAT RESILIENCE OF THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.

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lthough parts of the east coast have had some rain, the drought will be an ongoing issue for us as Australians and as a Loreto Normanhurst community. Our boarding families and our boarding students from the land are strong and resilient but they are tested during this long and arduous drought.

As a school we supported those impacted by the drought through various initiatives.

Our students worked with Ms Timmins, the school’s Social Justice Coordinator, to support fundraising efforts for the ‘Buy a Bale’ campaign and for other awareness and fundraising campaigns for our farmers and as a community we have raised over $18,500.

The stories below are different and equally unique and they highlight the complexity of life for families on the land who are primary producers and the community members who support them.

been able to harvest a crop since 2016.

This drought has really affected our farm.

We have fed out all our stored fodder and have been buying fodder since December 2017 from as far as South Australia and Victoria. Our sheep numbers are down by at least 40%. By August, we only received 60ml of rain, when usually by this time we would have had around 300ml. Because of this little amount of rain, we must cart water to our house and to some paddocks.

My small community was fortunate enough to receive drought relief packages from the Ku-ring-gai Netball Association and the Berowra APEX Club in early August.

Everyone was so thankful at the effort made for the Bobadah community. It is great to see such lovely caring people helping the farming communities in need. It has shown us that we aren’t going through this on our own."

These reflections were written by boarding students in August 2018.

ELIZA HARLEY – Year 10

"My name is Eliza and I am from the central west of NSW in a place called Bobadah.

My family and I live on a 57,000 acre property where we have Merino sheep and we grow wheat and oat crops. The drought has had a significant effect on my family’s income from sheep and crops. We haven’t

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"My name is Caitlin and I live 40kms from the small town of Gulargambone NSW, which is 115kms north-west of Dubbo. In total we own 1900 acres of land, on which we run sheep and grow crops, however this year our crops of wheat and barley have nearly all perished. The other problem we are having is the huge number of kangaroos,

since it’s so dry, they are coming in from western areas, eating the crops and the sheep feed we have left.

Our sheep are surviving because mum and dad are hand feeding wheat and hay from a frosted canola crop from 2017. They have sold some sheep so now we are down to our core breeding flock. Feed is quite expensive now as most farmers are feeding their remaining livestock.

My dad grew up on a neighbouring property and has lived in this area his entire life and he says that it’s the driest he has ever experienced. 2018 will be only the second year in three generations and the first since 1965 that our family will not harvest a crop.

Living over 500kms from home is the hardest factor for me. Coming home in the July holidays was a massive shock to my brothers and I as we had no idea exactly how dry it really was. However, living with others who are experiencing the same struggles helps me, knowing that my family and our community are not the only ones doing it tough during this drought."

CAITLIN SPORA – Year 10

“My name is Bridie and I come from a small 300-acre property in Murulla NSW which is about 20 minutes out of Scone in the Upper Hunter. Normally my family has four dogs,

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THE DROUGHT

three goats, three cats, nine horses and between 30-60 head of cattle depending if we have calves or not. Currently, we still have the dogs, goats, cats, horses and we have also adopted a joey, but we only have three cows and three calves as we didn’t have enough feed or water for any more.

Over the past few months we ran out of water, our dam went dry and our well is now dry too. We are buying truckloads of water as well as a truckload of hay that had to be brought in from South Australia.

Although I only live on a small property and my family doesn’t fully depend on the farm to provide for us, it has still had a huge impact on my family as my parents have to feed all the animals and check water tanks/troughs before and after work while myself and my two siblings are at school and university. This has been the hardest factor for me during this time because I know how hard things are at home for my parents and I wish I could be there to give them a hand.

I would really recommend following the Facebook page ‘One Day Closer to Rain (Drought)’ as it has been a place for many farming families to share their struggles, stories and photos to support one another and let them know they aren’t alone. This page is a great example of country communities coming together during a tough time.”

BRIDIE COOKSEY – Year 10

“It has been extremely moving seeing the amount of support farmers and their families have received. The drought has not only had a devastating impact on farmers and their work but has profoundly impacted rural and remote communities.

I come from Denman – situated three hours northwest of Sydney.

Although I don’t live on a farm, both my parents grew up on the land and know the first-hand struggles of the drought. The high demand for feed has resulted in an extreme price inflation and suppliers are struggling to meet the needs of the farmers and have turned to interstate freighting to source their raw materials. The extra travel and labour required all adds to the cost of the final product. So, for farmers who are struggling financially, the cost of feed is simply too expensive for them.

Local communities continue to help farmers. By buying food locally, shopping locally and working locally. The local Lions Club are leading their ‘Need for Feed’ campaign with great success and donations have been made by companies and individuals in order to gift farmers and their families with the supplies they need in order to survive on the barren land. At the forefront of all drought relief initiatives is awareness. It’s about spreading the word that everyone back home and all-over rural NSW are doing it tough on the land.”

CLODAGH BRAY – Boarding Captain, 2018

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LORETO SPORT

If she can see it,

She can be it!

AS WE CELEBRATE THE LEADERSHIP OF MS BARBARA WATKINS AND HER SERVICE TO LORETO NORMANHURST, WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAS CHANGED FOR WOMEN IN SPORT SINCE 2001, MS WATKINS’ FIRST YEAR AT LORETO NORMANHURST.

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hilst sports such as AFL, cricket, football and rugby have long been established cornerstones of the Australian sporting landscape, in 2001 AFLW, WBBL and the W-League were just pipedreams and one quarter of the victorious Women’s Rugby 7’s team from the Rio Olympics were still in kindergarten.

The WNBL and the Commonwealth Bank Trophy (Australian Netball’s then-premier competition) were firmly present, but were able to offer their elite athletes little more than match fees and a strapping tape allowance. Whilst there were opportunities for the world’s top tennis players and golfers

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to earn a living playing the sport they loved, it was only one year earlier in 2000 that the Australian Tennis Open recognised female athletes to be on par with the men by introducing equal prize money.

Put simply, if you were an elite female athlete in 2001, odds are you were also a teacher, a nurse, an accountant, a lawyer, a chef or some other profession, providing the necessary regular income to allow you to follow your dreams of playing for your club or country at the highest level.

For aspiring female athletes across the country in 2001, watching sport on TV meant watching men’s sport. Going to a game meant going to a men’s game.

The lack of visible female role models was as stark then as it is shocking now.

Fast forward 18 years and female sporting role models are everywhere. On our TV screens, on our billboards, part of our commentary teams and firmly entrenched in our national conscious. Who knows where the next 18 years will take us in women’s sport, but one thing is clear, women will always forge new paths in sport as pioneers and young girls growing up in 2018 have no shortage of female role models.

If she can see it, she can be it.

MR MATT MULRONEY Acting Head of Sport

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Leading change & influence IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, WE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO HOST TWO KEY EVENTS: THE MARY WARD JUSTICE FORUM AND OUR ANNUAL WOMEN OF INFLUENCE EVENING. MARY WARD JUSTICE FORUM “Please don’t forget about us, we are human.”

This thought, from a letter penned by a refugee, was at the heart of the discussions at the Mary Ward Justice Forum in October.

The theme for the night was ‘Human Rights – Shouting Across the Divide: In Pursuit of a More Just Australia” and Loreto Normanhurst was honoured to have guest speakers, Mr Julian Burnside QC, Professor Dr David Isaacs and Dr Sara Townend in attendance.

Throughout the evening we bore witness to a frank discussion about human rights and its meaning, as the audience was posed the question: why are some people’s human rights seen as “less respectable” than others?

Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer to this question and it is a topic full of, in many cases, uninformed opinions.

In a night that seemed to have moments of heartbreak and even small glimpses of

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hopelessness, we were reminded by Professor Dr Isaacs that we should never simply accept something as the status quo, given that the world, like our thinking and perspectives, are constantly in flux and developing.

Professor Dr Isaacs also suggested that public awareness is paramount when it comes to the human rights, or current lack thereof, of people seeking asylum, stating that perhaps simple “human decency” will force those with the ability to create change to act.

The evening was one of insight and inspiration that allowed the audience to affect informed change and influence others.

ISABELLA MINCHER, YEAR 12 Social Justice Captain

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE We had a wonderful evening at our annual ‘Women of Influence’ event. Listening

to four inspirational ex-students, Jane Stanton (Class of ’88), Arlie Loughnan (Class of ’93), Claire Velasco (nee Whyntie, Class of ’02) and Irene Fernandez (Class of ’04) speak to us in November about their journey in life and in their careers in accounting, law, marketing and engineering was enthralling.

Their stories of passion for their school and their careers, maintaining relationships, and staying true to who you are as you go through life was fantastic to hear. They spoke of the challenges they had overcome and acknowledged the support they had to achieve their goals, while always being aware of Mary Ward’s words of “Women in time to come will do much”.

We thank them for taking the time to present at the Women of Influence evening to inspire and encourage the audience.

They truly are influential Loreto women.

Maria Regina Angelorum

SUPERGIRL WEEK

Women

Speak Up! YEAR 9 STUDENT ANNIKA SHANKAR SHARES HER POWERFUL 'SUPERGIRL WEEK' SPEECH WITH US.

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y ‘Women Speak Up’ speech was an emotional and personal topic which I had the honour of sharing with the Loreto community during Supergirl Week.

Standards of beauty in Asian countries has become an obsession for some, where both women and men feel they must fit a certain appearance. Those who are darkskinned often find themselves conflicted in a society where constant, indirect pressure is placed on the look of an individual. The mental side effects of such demanding expectations are extremely harmful.

I never understood the true extent of this until it personally affected me. This prompted me to address this issue with the hope that it would shine light on an ongoing problem.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers and school for their support and encouragement in allowing me to express myself. It truly meant the world to me to present this speech to a community that I knew would support me endlessly.

WOMEN SPEAK UP When I was in Year 1 a boy in my class picked up a brown pencil and he named that pencil 'poo brown' colour, he then handed that pencil to me and said, “this is the only colour that would ever suit you, the others are too light.” I was five years old. I was five

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years old when I was told that I would never be accepted into a society where people thought only white was considered beautiful.

From a young age I never appreciated my skin colour, I hated it, I too, like many dark-skinned girls, thought that beauty was defined from the colour of your skin because after all, it was embedded in our culture. In Snow White doesn’t the Queen say, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Advertisements and the entertainment industry play on existing misconceptions and

insecurities, so then how are we expected to try and fit into the narrow mould that so cruelly sets people apart?

‘Fair and Lovely’, that is the name of the highest selling cream in India; a skin bleaching cream that has built an empire worth more than $120 million dollars. It became so popular that they came out with ‘Fair and Handsome’, the same product but for men, because they too didn’t think that dark skin was appreciated. Girls as young as three years old are being introduced to such damaging

and harmful products, because for generations and generations people have been told that you can only feel beautiful if you have fair skin and it’s ingrained in our thoughts and our views.

So in a country where people risk skin cancer just to get the perfect tanned skin, halfway across the world, people are going to great lengths to eradicate their rich and deep colour and replace it, replace their story. My skin tells a story, and much like yours, it’s different.

And we are beginning to understand that, society is changing, it’s evolved and it’s slowly breaking itself from the dividing stereotypes that once existed. We’re starting to embrace the imperfections that so many people are born with because that’s what makes us human, right?

Being different, being yourself and reaching limits beyond the norm, because life is too short to worry about what people think of you. The time for an end towards discrimination against dark-skinned people is well past its due date, and so, just imagine that little five-year-old girl who didn’t know her place in the world and didn’t know if she would fit in and I would tell her to take that 'poo brown' colour pencil and not let anyone define her, let her write her own story, because it doesn’t matter what colour the pencil is, what matters is what you write with it.

ANNIKAR SHANKAR Year 9

Congratulations & Farewell THIS YEAR WE SAID FAREWELL TO THREE LORETO WOMEN AS THEY EMBARK ON THE NEXT STAGE OF THEIR LIVES AFTER MANY YEARS OF WONDERFUL SERVICE TO LORETO NORMANHURST. Mrs Helen Gray

Mrs Alicia Maunsell

Mrs Dorothy Bates

30 YEARS OF SERVICE

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

20 YEARS OF SERVICE

In April this year, Mrs Helen Gray, Visual Arts teacher, celebrated 30 years of dedicated and uninterrupted service to Loreto Normanhurst.

Mrs Gray, who has often been called ‘Mrs Clay’ for her amazing gift in teaching ceramics, has been a wonderful staff member and educator.

Mrs Maunsell has given 20 years of wonderful service to Loreto Normanhurst, building our community spirit with the students and their families and the wider Loreto community in her role as Director of Development.

Mrs Maunsell led the team who greeted you when you enrolled your daughter, organised school events, prepared communications and marketing and Loreto Life, supported the Bursary Program, and actively supported the Parent Association of Loreto (PAL) and the Ex-students’ Association. She has made such a significant impact on the Loreto community, building and maintaining relationships and trust in our school with careful consideration and respect for all.

We thank Mrs Maunsell for her years of hard work for the school and for her dedication to the Loreto values, which she lives out daily, in the important work she has done for the school.

Mrs Bates has dedicated 20 years of her career to Loreto Normanhurst teaching mathematics and bringing a wealth of knowledge to the maths department and her students.

Mrs Bates' generous service has had a lasting impact on so many Loreto girls and staff members and her time at Loreto has been so significant and meaningful to the school.

We thank her for her enthusiasm towards teaching and her willingness to go the extra mile for her students.

Larissa Vella, Year 11, delivered some beautiful words about Mrs Bates’ love of Kendall House at the final assembly for the year, ”you have made so many of us feel cared for, protected and most significantly, seen.

You have found a spark and talent within every Kendall girl, and shared this with those around you. Your thoughtfulness and motherhen nature will leave a saddening gap in Kendall House, especially our tutor group.”

We wish Mrs Bates the best of luck with her future endeavours and the greatest happiness in retirement.

"She has shared her talent with the hundreds of students she has encountered and she has been a generous Loreto woman full of care, respect, love and encouragement for everyone."

After 30 years, Mrs Gray made the decision to retire at the end of 2018. Not many people in the history of the school have served for 30 years as she has done and we give thanks for all of her achievements and the mark she has made on the history of Loreto Normanhurst.

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FAREWELLS

Congratulations to the

Class of 2018!

Top ATAR 99.15 achieved by Daniella Bianchi

19% of students achieved an ATAR of 95 and above

#5 Catholic School and #46 overall in NSW*

39% of students achieved an ATAR of 90 and above

238 mentions on Distinguished Achievers List

73% of students achieved an ATAR of 80 and above

2018 All-Rounders List Top Achievers in Course 9 students achieved 90 or more in 10 or more units

Charlotte Ainsworth Ashley Baddock Vanessa Bryan Angelina Gu *Sydney Morning Herald, 14/12/18

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Amelia Kelly Emily Kevans Claire Phillips Sarah Vardy Georgia Zalunardo

2 students ranked in the Top 10 in their course

ANGELINA GU Modern History

9th

DANIELLA BIANCHI Studies of Religion II

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Alumni News WE CATCH UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ACHIEVEMENTS FROM OUR PAST STUDENTS.

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t was with great joy that ex-students had the opportunity to farewell Ms Barbara Watkins at an event in November. The school has continued to thrive under her leadership and she leaves a legacy of outstanding results for the school. We would also like to acknowledge the support and friendship of Mrs Alicia Maunsell, Director of Development.

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Mrs Maunsell retired this year after 20 years' of service to Loreto Normanhurst and she has contributed much to the ExStudents' Association. Both Barbara and Alicia have been strong supporters of the Ex-Students’ Association and in upholding the Loreto traditions. We thank them for their ongoing support and friendship of the Loreto Normanhurst Ex-Students' Association and we wish them well.

There were many other wonderful occasions and celebrations held throughout 2018, providing opportunities for exstudents to reconnect and enjoy time with friends, both old and new. Thank you to all ex-students who attended and supported these events including those organised by the Ex-Students’ Association.

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RECONNECTING

— Alumni News — Congratulations — Golden Jubilee — SR LIBBY ROGERSON

program and only a few move through to challenge themselves to do the Gold program. Ellen Parker (Class of ‘17) received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Governor of NSW at a ceremony held with other young people who have also chosen to challenge themselves and serve others. We congratulate her on this incredible achievement and for gaining her Gold Award.

International Event — 8 June 2018 — WASHINGTON DC AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY RECEPTION

Congratulations to Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM, who celebrated her Golden Jubilee, 50 years as an IBVM Sister, this year. Sr Libby is such an integral part of our Loreto Normanhurst community. She was a student at the school and a member of the novitiate in her years of training to become a Loreto Sister. She has been a member of the community for more than 20 years and sits on the School Board as Co-Deputy Chair. Libby has worked tirelessly within our school and in the outside community for those who are displaced or on the margins of society through her work in social justice. She is a powerful voice for the voiceless and an advocate for peace, love and a just society and we thank her for all her generous work over her 50 years.

— November 2018 — DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS

In June this year Loreto alumni based in the United States attended a Reception held at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC, in honour of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools. This event was held to coincide with the Global Forum on Girls’ Education, also taking place in Washington DC, and was attended by Ms Marina Ugonotti, then Deputy Principal, representing Loreto Normanhurst. The Reception also provided an opportunity for Loreto Normanhurst alumni to share their experiences and memories of life at Loreto.

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

For many years Loreto Normanhurst has been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. It is a fantastic program where students test themselves in outdoor activities and generous service. Our students commence the program in Year 9 fulfilling the Bronze Expeditions and performing their community work. Some then go on to the Silver

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Congratulations to Mrs Joan Bull (Kirribilli ’34), mother of the four Bull sisters, all Loreto Normanhurst exstudents, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 10th November 2017. In the photo with Joan are her five children.

L-R Margaret Rankin (nee Bull LN ’71), Jennifer Monie (nee Bull LN '55), Charles Bull, Angela McCormack (nee Bull LN ’58) and Cathy Hallman (nee Bull LN ‘69)

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— Alumni News — Past Events

— 22 March 2018 — RECONNECTING EVENING

— 11 November 2017 — CLASS OF ’07 – 10 YEAR REUNION

The Class of ‘07 got together at The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay for their ten-year reunion in November 2017. It was a wonderful night of reconnecting and reminiscing with many former classmates.

Fond memories were shared, lots of laughs were had, and many plans were made to catch up more often. So many of the group are pursuing their dreams in their careers, family and personal lives, and it was wonderful to share in everyone’s success.

The Ex-Students’ Association enjoys activities with alumni across all age groups. This year we enjoyed our fourth Reconnecting Evening at the Greenwood Hotel to say hello to our ex-students who graduated between 1995 to 2017 and to socialise in an informal environment and reconnect with each other.

— Saturday 11 August 2018 — CLASS OF ’03 – 15 YEAR REUNION

— March 2018 — LORETO CANBERRA LUNCHEON AND AGM

The Class of ‘03 15-year reunion was held on Saturday 11 August at The Greens in North Sydney and a great afternoon was had catching up with everyone. The school would like to thank the Class of ‘03 for their generosity in making a donation towards the bursary fund.

The annual ACT Region Loreto Mass and Luncheon as once again a delightful gathering of our many Loreto alumni. It was wonderful to have so many age groups and Loreto Schools represented from across the country as well as Canada. This is what makes the Canberra lunch unique and is a truly wonderful tradition to continue. Please mark your calendars now for our next annual lunch on Saturday 2 March 2019.

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— Alumni News — — 8 September 2018 —

— 22 September 2018 —

CLASS OF ’13 – 5 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF ’98 – 20 YEAR REUNION

The Class of ‘13 celebrated a wonderful night at the Coogee Diggers Club with 95 girls in attendance sharing some great laughs over drinks.

The Normo spirit is alive for our class and we hope this is the first of many fantastic reunions. The school would like to thank the Class of ‘03 for their generosity in making a donation towards the bursary fund.

The 20th reunion for the Class of ‘98 kicked off with a school tour at Normanhurst. The tour included some of the boarding areas – home to many of the girls during their time at school – and much interest was shown regarding the 30-year Master Plan as well as the building works that have gone up since graduation.

The tour concluded with a morning tea on the veranda of the Reception Room. In the evening the reunion continued with more classmates at Harbour 220, Macquarie Street. A lovely evening was had by all with lots of memories shared and candles lit to remember classmates.

— 15 September 2018 — CLASS OF ’72 – 46 YEAR REUNION

— 29 September 2018 — CLASS OF ‘88 – 30 YEAR REUNION

The 46th (why not?) reunion was held at The Tilbury Hotel, Woolloomooloo. It was wonderful to see everyone and there was such a happy buzz was in the air as many memories were shared.

We remembered those who couldn't attend and we missed you.

The 30th reunion for the Class of '88 was held at the Oaks Hotel, Neutral Bay. It was a great turnout and a fun-filled evening, complete with a celebratory cake!

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— Alumni News — — 20 October 2018 —

— 20 October 2018 —

CLASS OF ‘78 – 40 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF ‘08 – 10 YEAR REUNION

Our 40th reunion also celebrated School Certificate Graduates from 1976. Everyone met at the Greengate Hotel, Killara and a fabulous night was had with 45 ladies joining the celebrations.

The organising committee has already been set for the 45th reunion – which will be held in Dubbo in 2023!

The Class of ‘08 braved a Sydney storm to get cosy over a few canapés and drinks at Hotel CBD. The night featured a decade’s worth of stories about overseas adventures, great jobs, engagements, babies and firsthand accounts of Prince Harry and Meghan visiting Dubbo!

Thanks to all the warm, wonderful 2008 women who ventured out on this stormy night. As Grace Ryan said, "It's been 10 years, but it could have been ten minutes."

— Ex-Students' Association — — Upcoming Events — The Ex-Students’ Association is organising a number of events for 2019 and we invite you to join us in support of your Association.

The events are: 9 MARCH: OPEN DAY STALL 27 MARCH: RECONNECTING DRINKS AT THE GREENWOOD HOTEL 8 AUGUST: ‘MURIEL’S WEDDING’ THEATRE PARTY – JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH LORETO KIRRIBILLI (all proceeds will go to Mary Ward International Australia) 8 SEPTEMBER: HIGH TEA 3 NOVEMBER: SPRING FAIR STALL If you would like to help out with any of these events, please email: exstudents@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

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— Alumni News — — Marriages — CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE EX-STUDENTS AND THEIR PARTNERS

Kristen Kilby (‘05) and Simon Hegarty

Samantha McEncroe (’04) and Steven Thompson

Kristen Wilde ('12) and Jarrod Shoenmaker

Angie Laxton ('99) and Neal French

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— Alumni News — — Marriages — CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE EX-STUDENTS AND THEIR PARTNERS

Eliza Shaw ('07) and Ramsen Oraham

Tania Lopes (’08) and Jacob Schwarcz

Anabelle Lynch (’03) and Mark Perry

Meghan Black ('06) and Joel Cox

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MARRIAGES, BIRTHS, VALE

— Alumni News — — Births — CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE FAMILIES ON THEIR NEW ARRIVALS

Chloe (Bracht ’02) and Mark Cullen on the birth of Annie Grace, sister for Whitney, Lucy and Daisy.

Brioney (Woods ’08) and Patrick Small on the birth of Hamish John, grandson for Mrs Chris Woods.

­— Vale — WE OFFER OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE FOLLOWING EX-STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES Merryn Whittaker (’67) on the death of her aunt, Lorna Sheridan (Veech ’43).

The family of Sr Anne Anderson IBVM ('47).

The family of Margaret Judith Stone ‘Judy’ (Wilkinson, '47).

The family of Paula Maloney (Reardon ‘58).

The family of Sr Margaret Armstrong IBVM (’47).

The family of Catherine Donald (Palmer ’82).

Maria Harrison (Hayes '71) on the death of her husband, Brian Harrison.

Jo-Anne Ashton (Paton '83) on the death of her mother, Rose Paton.

Bronwyn Cooper (‘99) and Kenny Melvin on the birth of Knox Evan Melvin. Grandson for Claire Carey-Jones (’72), nephew for Gillian Cooper (‘04) and great-nephew for Lynnette Jones (’80).

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The Baddock family on the loss of Karen Baddock, mother of (Ashley Baddock '18).

Angela Dodd (’75), Jenny Harris (’78) and Elizabeth Sim (’80) on the death of their mother, Frances Sim (Braithwaite, Loreto Marryatville ‘49). Sister of Mary Braithwaite (Sr Consuelo IBVM) (dec), and grandmother of Madeleine Dodd (‘08) and Gabrielle Dodd (‘12).

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COMMUNITY

Loreto

Parents THE LORETO PARENT ASSOCIATION HELD A RANGE OF SUCCESSFUL EVENTS THIS YEAR WHILE CREATING A STRONG AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG THE PARENT COMMUNITY.

T

his year was full of friendship, fun and fundraising as the Parent Association arranged many events that provided opportunities to come together as year groups as well as a whole school community.

Our success is only possible through the continued generosity and support of the school and we were so thrilled to join Ms Barbara Watkins in November at an event to celebrate and farewell her as she leaves Loreto Normanhurst. Barbara has been a great support of the Parent Association and it has been such a pleasure to work with her in our capacity as Co-Presidents of PAL and we

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wish her well in her future endeavours.

We would also like to recognise the wonderful support and friendship of Mrs Alicia Maunsell, Director of Development, as she has decided to retire after 20 years’ of distinguished service at Loreto Normanhurst. Alicia’s gentle nature, her warm smile and her love of the school and the community has been so valued and we thank her for all the wonderful work she has done for the Parent Association during her years here.

The Parent Association is involved in organising and coordinating many social events at the school as well as raising funds

that contribute to projects within the school to benefit all students. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents for their involvement and support throughout the year and we encourage the parent community to continue this support into 2019 and beyond with the new Parent Association Co-Presidents Mrs Louise Wytenburg and Mr Paul White.

We wish Louise and Paul every success in the Co-Presidents position for 2019.

TRACEY HARTSHORNE AND ROB CRITCHLOW 2018 Parent Association Co-Presidents

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Connect with us BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION AND KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US TO FIND OUT ABOUT NEWS AND EVENTS, AS WELL AS VIEW INVITATIONS, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM ACROSS THE LORETO COMMUNITY.

— Instagram —

— Facebook —

— Twitter —

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/LORETONH/

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/LORETONH

WWW.TWITTER.COM/LORETONH

Follow us on Instagram. Look for our handle @LoretoNH and hashtag #loretonh to contribute your favourite school memories.

www.facebook.com/loretonh www.facebook.com/loretonhprimary www.facebook.com/loretonhalumni www.facebook.com/loretonhpal

twitter.com/LoretoPrincipal twitter.com/LoretoDeputy twitter.com/LNExtraCurric twitter.com/LoretoPastoral twitter.com/LoretoLearning twitter.com/LoretoBoarding twitter.com/LoretoMission twitter.com/LoretonhSport

— LinkedIn —

— Loreto Normanhurst App —

WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/SCHOOL/ LORETO-NORMANHURST Follow Loreto Normanhurst on LinkedIn and connect with staff, students and alumni to keep up to date with news of our professional development and career success.

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE/ANDROID Download the Loreto Normanhurst app for iPhone and Android at the App Store and Google Play. For a full list of the school’s social media channels go to: www.loretonh. nsw.edu.au/page/contact-us/social-media

— Loreto Website — WWW.LORETONH.NSW.EDU.AU Visit the website for all other information.

SUBMIT NEWS FOR LORETO LIFE AND STAY IN CONTACT If you have any news you would like to share with the Loreto community please email news@loretonh.nsw.edu.au – we would love to hear from you. Please note, contributions are subject to consideration by the editorial team. Please ensure you update your contact details with us so we can keep in contact. Please email development@loretonh.nsw.edu.au or call 1800-LORETO to update your details.

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SATURDAY 9 MARCH 2019 Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to experience a day in the life of Loreto Normanhurst Enjoy tours of the school, presentations, classroom demonstrations, live music, cake and food stalls in the gardens, BBQ, animal farm, train rides, and much more!

Loreto Normanhurst | 91-93 Pennant Hills Road Normanhurst | 9487 3488 | www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au

SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2019

Traditional country-style, fun-filled family fair CARNIVAL RIDES • BOUTIQUE WARES • DELICIOUS FOOD • SECONDHAND BOOKS • LOLLIES BOARDERS' FARMERS MARKETS • VINTAGE WARES • DEVONSHIRE TEA • ENTERTAINMENT

Loreto Normanhurst | 91-93 Pennant Hills Road Normanhurst | 9487 3488 | www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au

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