Loreto Life 2020

ETO

LIFE

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Cover features students in our Agriculture plot

WE PROUDLY LOOK BACK AT THE YEAR 2020

LORETO LIFE 2020

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LOR ETO LIFE 2020

Contents ISSUE 1 – A CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT LORETO NORMANHURST

Girls by Girls

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We explore what it means to stand by each other and for each other as women of leadership.

Courage Beyond Comfort Zone s

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Our Primary girls face change and challenge with grit, resilience and optimism.

From our Principal

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From our Chair

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From our Captains

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Girls by Girls

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We are Faith-Centred

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We are Person-Centred

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We are Ecology-Centred

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Primary school – Courage Beyond Comfort Zones

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My Time in Boarding

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Unleash the...

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Strong Sportswomen United

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The Festival of Loreto Day

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Staff Spirituality Day

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Music Festival 2020

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Songlines – The Year 9 Experience

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Sprint Week

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Future Problem Solving

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The Arts at LN

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Flash Back 100 years

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Time Capsule – Flash Forward 100 years

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Normanhurst in Lockdown – 100 years ago

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From our Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

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Awards and donors

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From our Ex-Students’ Association President

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Staying Connected

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Reunions from Afar

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Alumni News

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From the Parent Association President

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Connect with Us

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The Arts at LN

Our staff, students and alumni explore the role of creativity and collaboration in the life of our community during this unprecedented year.

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“COMMITMENT TO GIRLS’ EDUCATION IS AS IMPORTANT TODAY AS IT WAS IN MARY WARD’S TIME.” FROM OUR PRINCIPAL A NEW YEAR ALWAYS BRINGS SIGNIFICANT CHANGE; NEW JOYS, CHALLENGES AND CONNECTIONS. WHEN WE COMMENCED THE 2020 SCHOOL YEAR, WE COULD NOT HAVE FORESEEN THE SCOPE OF THE CHANGE THAT WE WOULD FACE.

As I hope you will discover in the 2020 edition of Loreto Life, this time of historic disruption has seen Loreto Normanhurst forge new traditions and pay close attention to how we express a sense of ‘community’. We temporarily embraced remote learning and adapted to new technologies that connected us in conversation from afar. We re-conceived our Music Festival as a virtual celebration, which we shared with families and alumni around Australia and the world. We watched Year 9 work alongside First Nations leaders and action groups from the local area during their new Songlines Experience. We gathered as a school on the oval to add a socially distanced Guard of Honour to our Year 12 farewells.

The year has also seen us draw from the ever-relevant values of our Loreto tradition. 2020 was the Year of Verity for Loreto schools around Australia, and it was to the truth of God’s grace and of Mary Ward’s legacy that we committed ourselves amid uncertainty.

Four hundred years ago, our foundress faced with courage the uncertainty and unrest prevalent in her own society. The sculpture of Mary Ward that stands in all Australian Loreto schools depicts, in stance and stare, a forwardfacing and outward-looking approach to change.

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Of her unwavering faith in a loving God, Mary Ward said “Put me where you want me to be. I am in your hand. Turn me this way or that, as you desire. I am yours, Lord, ready for anything.”

Our students have demonstrated this same humble yet confident resilience. They too are ready for anything. They too are receptive to their social and political contexts, flexible in their problem-solving, unafraid to be voices of dissent when dissent is required and constant in their sense of humour and hope. They have lived out the leadership philosophy and motto chosen by the Class of 2020, becoming ‘Girls by Girls’; young women who stand in support of others. In many arenas – as you will see throughout these pages – they have led the community in its response to crisis.

There is no doubt that 2020 is a year that we will remember for a long time. May it be remembered for the grit and determination we showed, the kindnesses we witnessed, the optimism we maintained and the occasions we celebrated together, even if from afar.

MS MARINA UGONOTTI PRINCIPAL

FROM OUR CHAIR I BEGAN MY MESSAGE IN LAST YEAR’S EDITION OF LORETO LIFE WITH THE MAXIM THAT ‘CHANGE WAS THE ONLY CONSTANT’ IN THE LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY – NO TRUER WORDS COULD HAVE DESCRIBED 2020.

As we reflect on this historic year, there is no doubt that the impact of the events that have unfolded will be far-reaching and experienced differently by many.

We started the year concerned for rural communities affected by prolonged drought and hardship, as well as a devastating bushfire season. True to form, the Loreto Normanhurst community rallied behind our boarding families with incredible empathy.

We then began to witness what was quickly to become a global pandemic unfold around the world.

Our school community showed incredible resilience during this time. However, the full impact of COVID-19 - emotional, psychological, and financial - may not be known for several years, and we continue to remain mindful of the effects of this crisis on our community.

The flexibility and perseverance required of our school to adapt to this constant state of flux was profound. To move so quickly from teaching and learning onsite to remote learning via ‘FACE Online’ was simply remarkable.

It demonstrated the incredible professionalism of our Leadership Team, teachers, and support staff, who remained committed to the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model and reconceived the delivery of this holistic curriculum in and out of the virtual ‘classroom.’

Together, in the spirit of Mary Ward, we can confidently say that we have provided a true, holistic Loreto Normanhurst education to all students this year, albeit a little different from the norm.

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I applaud the tenacity of all our students, particularly the Class of 2020. I am certain that this cohort will look back with pride on the way they have conducted themselves and what they have achieved, both personally and academically. With the HSC now well behind us, I hope all members of the Class of 2020 have achieved their potential and wish them success in their desired next steps, whatever they may be.

I would like to thank the School Board and the Leadership Team for their support and discernment over this year, the context of which presented some testing times, particularly in regard to deliberations on significant, longterm projects such as the Master Plan. In continued consultation with stakeholders, the School has worked diligently to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and prudent financial stewardship of the School.

On behalf of the School Board I would like to thank all the staff and the Leadership Team for their determination and perseverance, especially Ms Ugonotti whose leadership has been exemplary.

The change required this year was monumental and it called for significant effort from all to achieve what will, I am sure, be remembered for a long time to come.

MR ANDREW QUOYLE CHAIR OF THE LORETO NORMANHURST SCHOOL BOARD

FROM OUR CAPTAINS

PHILLIPA STUDDERT, SCHOOL CAPTAIN & MARIA TREACY, SCHOOL VICE CAPTAIN 2019-2020

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AT THE CORE OF LEADERSHIP IS SOMEONE'S ABILITY TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND TO LIFT OTHER PEOPLE UP WHEN THEY ARE DOWN.

“Strengthened by the truth, we live with courage and purpose.”

Never has this been as relevant to a Year 12 cohort as it has in 2020. When given the privilege of representing Loreto Normanhurst as School Captain and Vice Captain for 2019/2020, we never could have anticipated what our time in leadership would present us.

In this year of Verity, and in the year of COVID-19, the theme “strengthened by the truth, we live with courage and purpose” has guided everyone in the community.

Going into lockdown and learning remotely brought with it lots of initial uncertainty. Staff and students alike had to quickly change the way they approached learning. Despite spending time in isolation at home, the Loreto spirit remained strong. Videos about the ‘perks of online school’, virtual tutor group competitions and Zoom

STUDENT COU NCIL 2019-2020 School Captain School Vice Captain

Phillipa Studdert Maria Treacy

BOA R DI NG SCHOOL Boarding Captain Boarding Vice Captain

Isabella Price Eliza Harley

HOUSE CA PTA I NS Aston: Molly Carter Barry: Emma Davies Kendall: Lily Martin Kuring-gai: Nicola Sherwood

Maye: Bernice O’Brien Mornane: Madeline Play ford Mulhall: Abby Hartshorne Ward: Mia Circosta

BOA R DER COU NCILLORS Sophie Ainsworth Pollyanna Canty Lara Ciesiolka

Bridie Cooksey Kate Finlayson Brahnie Mitchell

EXTR A-CUR R ICULA R CA PTA I NS Academic Activities Maanya Maini Communications/SRC Jaya Reddy Creative Arts Ruihuan Liu Liturgy Sarah Scott Music Sophie Andreou Performing Arts Gabriella Sposari Social Justice Subject Luka Swain Greta Kraszula Sport

choir rehearsals provided staff and students with a much-needed laugh, while reminding us of the strength of our community.

Throughout this year, we’ve learnt that building a strong community isn’t necessarily about holding big gatherings, but rather forming genuine relationships on an everyday level. We realised that looking out for those around us was more important than ever, as everyone responded differently to COVID-19 and to being in lockdown. Our ‘Girls by Girls’ theme was the perfect motto. The virtual Music Festival epitomised the enthusiasm and perseverance of Normo girls, as everyone put their fears of recording themselves singing aside to produce an amazing sound for their House. The livestreamed ‘Queen of the Track’ race with the school mascot Ellen (LN) jumping at the finish line was another example of how the school was able to adapt, with cheering heard around the classrooms.

The Class of 2020 has undoubtedly faced more challenges than we had expected this year. As we continue to confront these challenges while we plan our futures, we must remember that this rapidly changing world is exactly what our Loreto education has prepared us for. What makes this school so special is that girls are not told to be perfect, but their flawed, yet amazing selves. One of our teachers in Year 9 said that “practice makes progress, not perfect”, a motto that has stuck with us. Whether we realise it or not, our double periods of Integrated Learning, our time spent giving advice in tutor group, and our teamwork on the sports fields have all prepared us for life beyond the Loreto gates.

We would like to acknowledge all the staff and students who have worked tirelessly to support Year 12 and the entire school community over this year.

The Class of 2020, alongside the rest of the world, doesn’t know what tomorrow holds. We have no doubt, however, that equipped with our strong Loreto spirit and values, we will be able to overcome any obstacles in the future.

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JAYA REDDY COMMUNICATIONS/ SRC CAPTAIN 2019–2020

GIRLS BY GIR W E K NOW T MAGIC HAPP WHEN GIRLS STAND BY EA OTHER AND EACH OTHER LORETO LIFE 2020

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CH A PTER

LS HAT ENS OUR 2019–2020 COMMUNICATIONS/ SRC CAPTAIN, JAYA REDDY, SHARES HER TAKE ON WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP.

CH FOR .

I was lucky enough to have the honour of leading the Student Representative Council and its initiatives throughout my senior year. This allowed me to reflect on my own experience with leadership as well as the importance of ‘girl’ leadership.

From the SRC Cup to Tuesday Trivia and R U OK? Day, the SRC was resourceful in changing our event formats to suit the COVID-19 context. We successfully brought the Loreto Normanhurst community together, raising awareness about the value of maintaining communication and connections with each other.

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“It has been about putting our strengths and weaknesses together.”

Supergirl Week celebrated its fifth anniversary, emphasising the importance of using your stance in society to offer a helping hand to girls around the world who need support to get back up on their feet and keep going.

These events and initiatives ran smoothly due to the combined efforts of the SRC, which includes girls from Years 9 to 12. The SRC team really highlighted just how intelligent and innovative girls’ minds are. If the world were more open to these beautiful minds, the possibilities of the future would be limitless as each person has individual strengths and quirks that bring something unique to the world.

When reflecting on what leadership has looked like for me at Loreto, it has always been about standing by other girls, all with different ideas, from different ages, different backgrounds.

It has been about putting our strengths and weaknesses together to build a community of people who support and listen to each other.

LORETO LIFE 2020

Leadership isn’t a position we use to get our way or get personal fulfillment. Leadership is about collaborating and communicating to improve the ‘today’ we are living in. Leadership requires patience; accepting failures but allowing yourself to learn from them and to face challenges head on. Leadership isn’t granted when you become a Year 12 student or when you are handed a badge. You do not need these things to become a leader.

At the core of leadership is a leader’s intention.

We see pockets of leadership throughout Loreto daily. We see it in our class debates, Year 7 sporting games, school carnivals and so much more. Most importantly, we see it when we see ‘girls by girls;’ girls standing by each other, for each other.

Thank you to the Class of 2020, the wider Loreto community and the SRC for giving me the opportunity to tackle the challenge it is to be a leader.

Maria Re gina Ange lor um

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GIR LS BY GIR LS

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE EVENING Held in March, in the same week as International Women’s Day, our Women of Influence Evening demonstrated female leadership and cooperation in action.

We were honoured to welcome Genevieve Jacobs (’84), Angela Burford (’09), Grace Murray (’09) and Camilla Ward (nee McKenzie, ’90), each of prominence in their respective fields. They spoke passionately about their careers in rural and regional communities in the arts, journalism, emergency and social services and primary industry.

CELEBR ATING A LORETO WOMAN OF LEADERSHIP

Thank you to our special guests for their powerful words and for sharing with our community an inspirational example of felicitous and intentional servant leadership.

Dr Leoni Degenhardt AM We wish to express joyous congratulations to Dr Leoni Degenhardt, who was acknowledged in the 2020 Australia Day Honours List with a Member of the Order of Australia award for significant service to education. Dr Degenhardt served for fourteen years as the first lay principal of Loreto Normanhurst, commencing in 1994.

A Loreto pioneer of holistic education, she is renowned for leading the development of the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model and FACE Curriculum, and is the current Chair of Mary Ward International Australia. The Dr Leoni Degenhardt Award for Distinguished Achievement in Holistic Learning is presented annually in her honour to a Year 10 student who is passionate about learning and building community.

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ARE

CENTRED

FAITH-

MS KERRY MCCULLOUGH SPIRITUALITY AND LITURGY COORDINATOR

WE

W E A R E FA ITH-CENTR ED

IN OUR YEAR OF VERITY, WE REFLECT ON WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FAITH-CENTRED LORETO SCHOOL IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY.

To be faith-centred means that we have a particular way of looking at the world. It is to see all life as not only created by God, and therefore sacred, but suffused with Divine Presence. It is to look upon all creation – humanity, relationships, social, economic and political paths, all choices we make – as places of Divine encounter through which the teachings of Jesus are expressed. As St Ignatius said, it means “finding God in all things.”

And as a faith-centred community, this search is our responsibility and our privilege.

Our five Loreto Values, beautifully expressed by Mary Ward, are five ways through which we live the teachings of the Gospel at Loreto Normanhurst. Each year, we focus on one of these Values. 2020 has been the Year of Verity.

The word ‘truth’ is rather loaded into today’s climate of ‘fake news’ and social media, through which a dizzying array of personal ‘truths’ are available. Where do we look for truth that will satisfy us, touch our imaginations, light that fire in our bellies and bring us a sense of peace and purpose?

“One of the most beautiful descriptions of spirituality is that it is responding to the touch of God.”

One of the most beautiful descriptions of spirituality is that it is ‘responding to the touch of God'. It is not driven, coercive or wilful. Rather, there is openness, receptivity and movement.

There are so many ways that this response might be awakened in us as the gracious giving of God envelops us: in the exquisite beauty of music; the soft light falling through the trees; the sound of waves breaking on the shore; in words of inspiration or compassion; in prayer; in forgiveness and in the hope which opens us to possibility, justice and abundant life.

When we look at Jesus’ interactions with the people of his day, we see this invitation: ‘Come and see’, ‘come follow me’, ‘let all who have ears to hear, listen.’

There are a few stories of Jesus restoring life to people. To the little girl who had died, Jairus’ daughter, he said, ‘talitha cumi’ or ‘little girl rise.’ To Lazarus in the tomb he said, ‘come forth.’

If we take these stories as metaphors for our own lives, we see that the invitation is always to rise up from decay; from what is life-denying, from what is lacklustre, fearful, selfish and dull within us. 'Let what you have said be done to me', said Mary to the angel. 'Let your words work in me and shape me into something truthful'.

This is the context of Verity in which we live, work and learn here at Loreto Normanhurst. This year has been one in which we have really been called to remember this truth we hold. In the midst of uncertainty, fear and change, we have drawn upon it and spoken of it in hope, just as Mary Ward did so long ago amidst the uncertainties of her own life.

VERITY PR AYER 2020 THE 2019-2020 STUDENT LEADERS FROM LORETO SCHOOLS AROUND AUSTRALIA COMPOSED THE FOLLOWING PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF VERITY.

God of Light, who guides us in ways of truth. Ignite within us the courage to uncover our authentic selves and in doing so discover our greatest gifts. Illuminate the path of integrity, so our lives are defined by love and honesty.

Inspire us to look beyond our own horizons to face the truth bigger than ourselves.

Called by Mary Ward, we seek and speak the truth: a truth that invites us to do ordinary things well, a truth that leads to justice for all. This is our Verity.

In Jesus’ name and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we say, Amen.

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CENTRED

PERSON-

MS KIERYN BATEMAN DIRECTOR OF LEARNING

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W E A R E PERSON-CENTR ED

IN RESPONDING TO CRISIS, WE TOOK CRITICAL CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY.

Steering a large organisation is complex and challenging on any given day. How, then, does one respond to the multiple, conflicting needs of such an organisation in the midst of a global pandemic?

How does a school uphold its moral imperative to provide clarity and stability to students and parents when the world around them is in a state of flux?

In March 2020, as communities across the world were thrown into chaos, these were the precise questions we faced. Like any organisation, we grappled with the flood of information that we were navigating on a daily, and at times hourly, basis.

At the core of the Loreto Normanhurst mission is a holistic approach, as we encourage each student’s fulfilment of her academic and personal potential in an atmosphere of freedom, care and respect. It was this mission that was at the centre of our decision-making at every step of the crisis.

We made the decision to initially send our Boarding students home, and then, shortly after, to move the students of non-essential workers to our virtual learning plan – FACE Online. FACE Online ensured that all student assessment and learning activities in the online platform were delivered via common Learning Management systems and Zoom video conferencing, as we were committed to maintaining our FACE Curriculum incorporating Faith, Academic, Community and Extra-curricular. Our staff were indeed required to be agile, and to pivot rapidly to a remote learning approach. Due to our existing processes and ICT structures, we were able to respond effectively and efficiently in providing our community with clarity and consistency.

But what of our shared mission that each student is encouraged to meet her personal potential? How did we make sure that our students

maintained healthy, robust and authentic relationships with their teachers and peers while engaging in a remote manner? We ensured that students still had access to their Advisors and Tutors via Zoom, as they continued to conduct 1:1 conversations and Tutor group meetings in order to maintain connection and demonstrate the imperative of nurturing human relationships in the domain of wellbeing.

Assemblies headed online, and Music Festival choir rehearsals continued virtually under the leadership of House conductors.

Our Student Council made us smile by sharing their lockdown hobbies and home-grown social justice tips via video. Our Pastoral Care team launched our 2020 Time Capsule and encouraged students to share their ‘View through my Window.’

Our Sport Department kept us moving with home workouts and interhouse fitness challenges, later crowning our Queen of the Track at a re-imagined Athletics Carnival.

LEARNING IN LOCKDOW N LEARNING IN LOCKDOWN; SISTERS ELIZA AND TESSA LET US IN ON WHAT IT WAS LIKE LEARNING REMOTELY BACK HOME.

Eliza, Year 11

Having a unified message and clear modes of communication were imperative. But one-way communication was not enough.

Constant evaluation was crucial to ensure our people felt heard and valued in the midst of a crisis.

Fortunately, we were in safe hands, as our community is formed in the Ignatian tradition and already prioritises reflection and discernment. When responding to the crisis, we adopted an iterative process of evaluation, reflection and response, using the metaphor of an infinity loop to guide our path and listen to our community.

Is there a silver lining to our experience of this crisis? There must be if we are to emerge stronger and wiser. We have experienced communal learning and growth, as our common values, existing structures and mission provided us with a platform that offered a stable pivot-point. Indeed, the Loreto Normanhurst community should be proud that we have built such platforms to lean upon during times of crisis; it is now time for us to celebrate this and emerge from the mire with pride and faith in our communal strength.

Tessa and I live on a farm just outside Wee Waa, North West NSW, around 600km from Sydney.

We breed emus, cattle and occasionally grow crops on our property. Being sent home midterm came as a bit of a shock after being informed about the guidelines the school needed to undertake due to coronavirus.

It took us a few days to get accustomed to the process of online learning. With intermittent internet at home, it was difficult at times, but Loreto made it easier with ongoing communication and support.

Tessa, Year 7 This year I began my journey at Loreto Normanhurst as a Year 7 boarder. It was a big change from running around on the farm to rushing up and down the stairs around the big Boarding School.

I was at school when I heard about COVID-19. When I first got home, I was very excited to see my family and pets. The next day was full of experimenting and testing different working routines. Sitting at our ‘veranda classroom’ every day was very different to normal, but I got used to the new routines of online learning and keeping in touch with my friends.

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WE

ARE

CENTRED

ECOLOGY-

LEILA MANGOS ECOLOGY CAPTAIN 2020-2021

W E A R E ECOLOGY-CENTR ED

WE MEET LORETO NORMANHURST’S FIRST ECOLOGY CAPTAIN AS SHE SHARES HER VISION FOR 2020-2021.

I’m delighted to be the inaugural Loreto Normanhurst Ecology Captain for 2020 and 2021.

It is all too easy to talk the talk of sustainability. I believe that it is through action that we can become a truly ecology-centred school.

Conversations and discussions are crucial; however, I hope to take the school community a step further into real environmental action in 2021.

My role as Ecology Captain is vast and difficult to define. Not only does it involve running the school Green Team on Friday lunchtimes for students, but I’m also lucky enough to attend school sustainability meetings with staff, help establish the Loreto Normanhurst Green Travel Plan, and work alongside the House Ecology Captains to achieve environmental justice.

In Term 3 2020, I met with the House Ecology Captains to establish our goals for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021.

In our time as leaders of the school’s ecology initiatives, we hope to encourage change both at school and in the wider community. Within the school, this will look like improved waste management, engaging Green Team meetings and activities, a potential sustainable 'Market Day' in 2021 and increased student enthusiasm about our potential for ecological justice. To achieve such justice in the wider community, we will invite students on tree-planting and cleanup excursions, empower them with the ability to contact politicians and companies about the sustainability of their policies, and encourage parents to review their capacity to improve ecological consideration within their households.

My care for the environment comes from my passion for justice – we cannot treat our natural world in harmful and unsustainable ways and expect there to be no consequences.

It is imperative that we realise social and ecological justice go hand in hand, and that one cannot be attained without the other. For one, environmental justice cannot be achieved without Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice.

“It is imperative that we realise social and ecological justice go hand in hand.”

We cannot have a fulfilled and functioning society when nature is experiencing countless natural disasters due to human activity.

Humanity must remember that we are intertwined with the natural environment; we rely on it for our food, water, clothing, infrastructure, energy and even the air we breathe.

I hope that in my role as Ecology Captain and through my awarenessraising initiatives, I can remind the Loreto Normanhurst community why it is so important to remain ecologically conscious, even when the environment might not be at the top of our minds.

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PRIMARY SCHOOL

COURAGE BEYOND COMFORT ZONES

“I know that COVID-19 has been tough for all of us but that doesn’t mean we can stop striving and reaching forward to do our best at everything… we have to work harder and shine brighter than ever before.”

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K ATE YEAR 5

PR IM A RY SCHOOL

OUR PRIMARY GIRLS FACE CHANGE AND CHALLENGE WITH GRIT, RESILIENCE AND OPTIMISM.

At the very beginning of 2020 the Primary School staff and students visited the Great Aussie Bush Camp.

On the second day, I watched the girls tackle the Giant Swing. They were pulled up to a great height, attached to a rope and harness, and then launched into the open sky. As I marvelled at their bravery, a voice next to me asked, “Are you going to have a go, Mrs Dwyer?”

It should be known that I have a considerable fear of heights and am not someone who craves the adrenaline rush of roller coasters.

However, as I am always talking to the girls about stepping outside their comfort zone, I could hardly say no. With the encouragement of the girls, I too was launched into the open sky and, after the initial shock, really enjoyed the experience.

This got me thinking about all the opportunities we miss out on in life because we are happier to be comfortable than courageous when faced with life’s challenges.

Harvard Professor Brené Brown shares that if you challenge yourself to do things you normally wouldn’t, you can prime your body to be able to handle change better. You don’t really know what you’re made of unless you venture outside familiarity.

Little did we know, that day on the Giant Swing, that all of us would be steered away from familiarity in 2020, due to the global pandemic.

Despite the many challenges 2020 posed, there were certainly silver linings. I was astounded by the

way the girls and teachers showed resilience, agility and flexibility when coping with the changes thrust upon us. The move to learning via screens strengthened the bonds between students, teachers and parents, although all yearned for their usual expressions of community and joyfully welcomed the return to face-to-face learning.

We know that students benefit from the sense of purpose that comes from contributing to the world beyond themselves. The girls pledged during one of our See, Think, Wonder sessions to make Kindness their superpower and brighten the lives of others, decorating ‘kindness rocks’ with positive messages. The Social Justice team organised a gold coin drive and lunchtime games to raise funds for a refugee family hosted

by Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM through the House of Welcome. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we supported the HOPE Project again this year, providing 26 Christmas gift hampers to vulnerable young mothers and their babies.

When we were able to reimagine how certain events could take place, the girls participated with enthusiasm and gusto.

They demonstrated grit when putting themselves forward for the Principal’s Spelling Bee or auditioning for a place in Loreto’s Got Talent. They showcased their creativity and curiosity during Write A Book In A Day and at our Public Speaking competition, when they addressed the audience on the topics of beauty, courage, justice,

truth and quality. All presentations were so captivating, with Monique, Year 6, winning the competition with her passionate speech about the Muslim Concentration Camps in China. They presented research presentations about Space to each other and had the opportunity to hear from Australian cosmologist, Professor Tamara Davis, via Zoom.

These experiences had quite the impression on the girls with Portia and Luci from Year 5 remarking, “the amount of information Professor Tamara Davis taught us has exploded our brains with things we never thought we would come upon. We are so grateful that such a highly regarded astronomer would take the time to come speak with us.”

We are always striving to find opportunities for the girls to experience growth. Whether it be stretching them into the zone of proximal development by encouraging them to try the Giant Swing and deliver a speech in public, or indeed responding as a school to an international crisis, our vision is always to encourage the girls to reach their personal potential. If you are prepared to have courage, make mistakes and open yourself up to the endless possibilities outside your comfort zone, you might be surprised by what you can achieve.

MRS MARYANNE DWYER HEAD OF PRIMARY

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CHARLOTTE

CLASS OF 2020

AS THEY WRAPPED UP THEIR TIME IN LN BOARDING, TWO OF OUR YEAR 12 BOARDERS REFLECTED ON WHAT MADE THEIR EXPERIENCE SO SPECIAL.

Anna commenced boarding at Loreto Normanhurst in Year 10 and comes from a horse stud outside Scone, NSW. Starting boarding in Year 10 was both daunting and exciting.

Although I was worried about making new friends after being in a small school for a number of years, the community spirit and great group of girls soon calmed my nerves.

I would say the top tip for starting boarding is to put yourself out there, even if you are shy. Joining clubs and groups in the day school – debating, strategic games club, choir, IGSSA sport, triathlons – helps to make new friends while also making the most of Loreto’s endless opportunities.

ANNA WARD– THOMAS

Joining the boarding environment has provided me with both independence and great personal skills. Boarding life means that you need to be organised and have good time management, something that will undoubtedly help you in the future. Developing team-building and personal skills through community activities and living with friends is also one of the biggest takeaways from boarding life.

CLASS OF 2020

MY TIME IN BOARDING

GOLDMAN

My favourite boarding tradition is Main Event. It’s my favourite because of the high-spirited competition and a chance to bond as a year group. Coming together as a whole boarding cohort and sharing the performances with parents makes the weeks of dancing practice worth it.

It is definitely something I will remember upon leaving Normo.

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BOA R DI NG

Charlotte was an ex-pat boarder until her family moved from Hong Kong to northern NSW when she was in Year 11.

It was tough in the beginning to board while my family was overseas.

However, going to boarding school made me appreciate home and my family more; I cherished the moments that I had with my parents and siblings as I would be away for long periods of time. I quickly became very independent, having to travel and to organise myself.

I became less homesick the more time I spent in the boarding school with my mates.

5MINS WITH...

Moving from one of the most densely populated cities in the world to a macadamia farm in Northern NSW was again a big change, similar to moving to boarding school at age 12. It took a while to get used to living in Australia, but I slowly began to love the country and I now thrive at the farm. Boarding made the move easier.

SABINE, YEAR 7 BOARDER From: Sydney, NSW Fun fact about me: I have two older brothers.

Favourite meal in boarding: Pork buns, spring rolls and dim sims.

What were you most looking forward to before you started boarding? I was really excited about living with lots of girls because I have two brothers who both board, so I never see them.

Being part of the Boarding School meant that I could grow in a supportive environment into the person I am today. Joining the boarding community has given me a network so vast, and mates that I will forever cherish from across Australia and the globe. Boarding has challenged me immensely, building my independence and patience. It has taught me the importance of family. It has been my safety net, as I have always felt like I belonged through the relationships I made with other girls.

Why is being a boarder special to you? The special sense of community; we all have a strong connection and will be lifelong friends.

SOPHIE, YEAR 7 BOARDER From: Narrabri, North West NSW

I have made many fond memories at Normo, and I will cherish them all.

That said, my favourite event is the Pink Lady Cruise. It is a great bonding time for every year group to get together, sing, dance and eat good food.

Fun fact about me: I am the eldest of five children.

Favourite meal in boarding: fried rice, stir fry or burgers.

What were you most looking forward to before you started boarding? Before I came, I was really excited about living with heaps of other people and making friends I knew I would have forever.

Why is being a boarder special to you? I have access to amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t get at home.

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UNLE UNLEASH THE...

ACTIVIST

WRITER My love of writing and literature stems from the freedom it gives me to consolidate my thoughts and think critically about the world that we live in. My Loreto education has truly nurtured my passion and ability to write, offering me endless opportunities to develop my communication skills. I have developed a unique writing style across a broad range of subjects. The opportunity to engage in higher-order thinking in the Extension English and History courses has taught me more than I could have imagined about both critical and creative expression.

Other extra-curricular opportunities, such as joining the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ challenge and contributing to the Mary Word Student Newspaper, have further challenged me to collaborate with others in expressing my ideas. I know that the invaluable skills I have gained will continue to benefit me in my future.

Anyone can be an activist. The cause doesn’t have to be huge, provided that you care and act based on your values. I have been involved in many different forms of activism; I have marched through Hyde Park, workshopped with people, represented the School at the Caritas Earthcare Youth Summit, written letters to politicians and even met with them. I am also a member of the Loreto Green Team.

My focus as an activist has been on climate justice, owing to my early curiosity in politics. It has never sat right with me that people in power choose to ignore the voices of citizens, so I decided to do something about it. I started by signing some letters to send to politicians that the School had provided us. Then I learnt about national issues such as the Adani coal mine, about which I wrote dozens of letters to different Australian people of power. This eventually led me to participate in School Strike protests and meet with my local federal MP. Each one of these actions holds so much power. Change starts with you.

Charlotte Cluff, Year 11

Olivia Collins, Year 11

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PERFORMER ATHLETE Sport is a way of connecting with friends of different ages and interests, working together towards the same goal. For me, that goal is making new friends and staying active while having fun. Since coming to Loreto and being involved in school sport, I have enjoyed participating in team and individual sports, which has led to many successes. One main highlight for me this year at School was being ‘crowned’ the Queen of the Track. The race was held on our School Oval instead of at an Athletics Carnival due to COVID-19 restrictions. Winning the Queen of the Track was something I had long strived to achieve, but without my commitment to training this wouldn’t have been possible. I am so grateful for the sport program at Loreto as it allows the whole school community to get involved and have fun!

On stage, you can completely transform yourself into another character, expressing a range of emotions and messages. When the curriculum Drama course began in Year 8, I was keen to participate.

I especially enjoyed studying clowning and play-building. I then selected Drama as an elective in Years 9 and 10. The highlights through these years for me were the Year 9 pantomime when we performed ‘Aladdin’, and the Year 10 Bell Shakespeare program when we performed ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Through these experiences, I learnt how to collaborate and communicate with a cast, harness the emotions of a character, and perform to different audiences.

Studying Drama has significantly boosted my confidence and willingness to try new things. Most of all, it has taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes. I am really looking forward to studying Drama in my senior years at Loreto, and hopefully pursuing performing arts as a possible career path.

Sophie Kavanagh, Year 10

Jessica Webster, Year 10

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STRONG SPO WOMEN UNI

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SPORT

RTS TED

“SPORT DEVELOPS RESILIENCE IN REACTING TO UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCE, ADAPTABILITY TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN FRONT OF YOU” – MATTHEW MULRONEY, HEAD OF SPORT

COVID-19 has created a new reality for sport. This year, we’ve seen fixtures postponed, seasons cancelled, representative pathways shut down and sport put on pause.

Our students have had to swap training together for training solo or at a social distance; locations, plans and equipment have been modified from what’s best, to what’s available.

As is often the case, sport imitates life as life imitates sport. The skills and attributes that are so valued by athletes, like those mentioned

by Bethany Hamilton, are proving extremely useful for navigating the challenges associated with COVID-19. Sport develops resilience in reacting to unexpected circumstance, adaptability to make the most of the circumstances in front of you, discipline in sticking to the game plan and not cutting corners, teamwork, and endurance to push through until the final whistle.

MR MATTHEW MULRONEY HEAD OF SPORT

Part of being a good coach or athlete is planning. This means putting together plans for the season, the week, the session, the game, the half and the final play to give you the best chance to succeed. The top coaches, teams and players can also pivot their planning down to the new best course of action when reacting to the unexpected.

“Control the controllables.”

This was the mantra of Tony DiCicco, who led the US Women’s National football team to glory at the 1999 FIFA World Cup. He wanted his team to focus on the aspects of their game that were within their control, such as how hard they trained, how well they planned and what they did to prepare. He didn’t want his team to waste energy on factors out of their control, like the referee, the weather or the opposition.

This mentality can so succinctly be applied to sport played under the shadow of COVID-19. This year, restrictions forced us to consider the factors within our control and then innovate. The LN Sport Department was able to create programs to help students stay active while learning remotely, including fitness sessions, at-home challenges and sport-specific modules. We were able to engage with our Sporting Associations and ensure that inter-school sport could resume with modifications in a safe environment. And we will continue to provide the opportunities in sport and physical activity that are so beneficial to the ongoing holistic enjoyment of our students.

Controlling the controllables and drawing from the determination, commitment and toughness to which Bethany Hamilton refers has meant even COVID-19 could not dampen the fighting spirit that Loreto sports girls are made of.

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“COURAGE, SACR DETERMINATION COMMITMENT, TOUGHNESS, HE TALENT, GUTS. THAT’S WHAT LI GIRLS ARE MAD OF, THE HECK W SUGAR AND SPIC BETHANY HAMILTON PROFESSIONAL SURFER

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SPORT

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YEAR IN THE FESTIVAL OF LORETO DAY Like so many events planned this year, the annual celebration of community that is Loreto Day unfolded with a difference in 2020.

Under the patient leadership of Year 11, it transformed into ‘The Festival of Loreto Day,’ which proved as felicitous and impactful as ever.

After a process of deep discernment, Year 11 chose to raise awareness and funds for ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans). ACRATH aims to ultimately eradicate modern-day slavery, forced marriage, forced labour and sexual exploitation. Its work involves action-oriented awarenessraising, government advocacy and collaboration with countertrafficking networks.

Our School community supported this worthy cause with fervour and open-mindedness. Onsite, students and staff could be seen

wearing a lapel pin with colours that represented the UN’s Sustainability Goals and each of the Secondary School Houses. Families and friends of Loreto got in on the action from home with our online raffle and auction. On the day itself, Year 11 dextrously managed group gathering restrictions while delivering a busy and joy-filled schedule of activities.

The day began with a beautiful liturgy that was recorded in our chapel and grounds and shared virtually to classrooms. Year 11 then hosted an insightful Zoom assembly.

It featured special guest Professor Felicity Gerry QC, who spoke from a legal perspective about the globalisation of modern slavery, its under-reported presence in Australia and the impacts of our choices as consumers.

It wouldn’t have been Loreto Day without a good dose of music and fun. There was some socially

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distanced dancing in the gym, sports activities in year groups and special Loreto Day showbags.

Spread out on the oval, we were able to share a meal provided by Year 11, which made for a special reminder of the strength and solidarity that comes from gathering as a community, even at a distance.

Congratulations to Year 11 for stepping up to the challenge of creating a new experience that brimmed with the compassion and enthusiasm we are accustomed to on Loreto Day. The student leaders demonstrated adaptability and optimism in guiding our school in its support of ACRATH. Thank you to those members of our wider community who were with us in spirit on the day and who contributed so generously to our fundraising efforts.

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STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY GRATITUDE THROUGH AN IGNATIAN LENS.

The formation of our staff is extremely important to us in a Loreto school. It is an opportunity to look at why we exist in Catholic Christian context and how we operate through the Ignatian and Mary Ward lenses. Staff Spirituality days provide opportunities to deepen our understanding of what we are called to do by Jesus and how to find the magis in our own lives.

gather outside together, not on Zoom behind an impersonal screen.

We were armed with a fold-up camp chair, a picnic rug, a hat, a small booklet of readings on gratitude and a Listening Book. In order to lean into the experience of the day, we took the time to begin with prayer and then moved through either meditations, Tai Chi or walking gently around the oval.

The theme for 2020 was Exploring and Practicing Gratitude - Through an Ignatian Lens. The day allowed staff an opportunity to pause, to be in community and to look after themselves and each other.

You may be wondering what a Listening Book is and why we would give it to staff. A Listening Book is like a close friend. It allows a person to record their feelings or reflections on experiences. You can then close it and later revisit it to listen to how you were feeling, tuning in to the ebbs and flows of your inner life. Each staff member focused on several readings and in their Listening Books reflected on the key elements of the article, discussing these with their colleagues.

It is said that “‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say.

‘Thank you’ expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding.”

Indeed, Brené Brown reminds us in her research that “both joy and gratitude were described as spiritual practices that were bound to a belief in human interconnectedness and a power greater than us.” As a staff, we took the time to go back to some of the basic Ignatian practices to remind us that gratitude is one of the most important duties we have.

After everything that we have experienced as a staff this year, one thing for which we were truly grateful on the Spirituality Day was the weather. It may seem simple, but the weather allowed us to

Bandage of Kindness Accompanied, Imaging Compassion and the CPR of Peace. We completed several individually in our Listening Books and then chose one to discuss in small groups.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ call to make the church more like a ‘Field Hospital,’ Michael Hansen SJ has adapted the First Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. In this body of work, Michael provides over 80 Ignatian spiritual exercises and resources that address all ‘ailments’ faced by the individual, written specifically to respond to COVID-19. Some of the exercises include the Art of Sharing Stories, Antibiotics of Generosity,

The most important aspect of our Staff Spirituality Day was undoubtedly the way it brought our staff together. This year the pandemic has challenged us in ways we would never have imagined.

There have been few opportunities for us to ‘just be’ with each other in companionship, or share a meal in close proximity, have a laugh and engage in a deeper level of conversation with a focus on gratitude. We are grateful to have a stable job in this time of uncertainty where many others have not; however, it has also required strength of character and adaptability to provide the same level of professional care and support for our students and each other. It has been difficult at times to maintain this level of agility; we have needed to have our spirits renewed and to be reminded to start each day with a grateful heart. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lit the flame within us this year and our Spirituality Day gave us the spark we needed.

REVIEW MRS LIBBY PARKER

DIRECTOR OF MISSION

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MUSIC FESTI 2020 STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

SOPHIE ANDREOU, MUSIC CAPTAIN & GABRIELLA SPOSARI, PERFORMING ARTS CAPTAIN 2019-2020

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THIS YEAR, WE MADE HISTORY WITH OUR FIRST EVER VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. OUR MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS CAPTAINS REFLECT ON WHAT MADE THE EVENT SO UNIQUE.

The Music Festival is one of the biggest annual community events on the Loreto Normanhurst calendar.

This celebration of the talent and spirit of our Normo girls is always one of joy and laughter (as well as some House competition!).

The theme for this year's Music Festival was incredibly fitting; “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.” It draws on the legacy that builds and strengthens our Loreto community and reflects the way music acts as a timeless portrayal of joy, strength and unity.

It was especially relevant to our community this year. The way we overcame the challenges we faced became our legacy!

The lead-up to the 2020 Music Festival was like any other, filled with House spirit, head-banging tunes and the occasional wrong note. Each rehearsal was greatly enjoyed by the girls and each choir had soon mastered their songs, eager to show off the hard work of their conductors and accompanists.

However, the fast-paced changes caused by the pandemic postponed what has become a staple at Normo.

We quickly began brainstorming ways in which we could ensure that the Music Festival could happen and came up with ‘couch choirs.’

The phrase was new to us this year but is now firmly embedded in our vocabulary. It refers to the creation of virtual choirs by stitching together audio and visual recordings of individual girls singing from home, thus keeping to social distancing requirements. The true spirit of our girls shone through and the virtual choirs still shared the same joyful essence as House choirs on a typical Music Festival night.

We were thrilled to virtually host the night and it was super exciting to record the script like news readers in the Reception Room, with a teleprompter and lighting!

While we weren’t able to stand next to each other at the lectern on the International Convention Centre stage, we still made sure to celebrate such an incredible event at home. Along with many other families and alumni around Australia and even overseas, we both held small Music Festival parties as we watched the live stream from home, complete with House-coloured decorations and snacks.

As Music Captain and Performing Arts Captain, we worked as a team alongside Ms O’Dwyer, Music Festival Coordinator, as well as music and drama staff, to reimagine both the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work and what would be on stage that night. This year our main role was encouraging the participation of every single girl in the virtual experience and supporting the resilient and talented conductors and accompanists during this time.

We learned so much about the importance of teamwork, resilience and optimism during this time and feel incredibly lucky and proud to have been part of such an experience. It did indeed hold so much of the typical Music Festival spirit and magic, despite us not physically being together.

The Music Festival event contributed nearly $50,000 to our School’s Bursary Fund, and we wish to thank those who generously donated in lieu of a ticket in support of Loreto families in necessitous circumstances.

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SONGLINES

MR VICTOR MCGEE IMMERSIONS COORDINATOR

THE YEAR 9 EXPERIENCE The Year 9 Experience is a pivotal moment for all Loreto Normanhurst students. Traditionally, Year 9 travels to Cairns in Far North Queensland, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closed borders, that was not possible this year. While Queensland is certainly picturesque, the deep learning that our students experience is not endemic to any one location.

Therefore in 2020 we launched the inaugural ‘Songlines’ Experience, which brought learning into “the backyard of Loreto,” as Meg, Year 9, referred to it. After discussions with our local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG), Songlines was chosen as the name of the program as it fit so well with the Year 9 Experience motto, ‘Caring for Country, Walking Beside.’

Songlines is the western name given to the songs and stories about the land that Aboriginal peoples tell as they move through country.

In the words of Indianna, Year 9, “Songlines tell you where you have been and where you are going.”

The fortnight started with a sunrise liturgy and Welcome to Country to set the tone. A number of speakers, including Mr Stan Grant (ABC TV presenter), Dr Julia Baird (author of Phosphorescence) and Ms Tanya Hosch (AFL Director of Inclusion and Social Policy), inspired Year 9 to use their individual skills and privileged social position to make positive change for the future of our nation.

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In their close-knit colour group, students participated in cultural activities on country in Muogamarra Nature Reserve and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, as well as hands-on learning about local Aboriginal knowledge and language onsite.

Students also completed community service, helping local councils with bush regeneration and cleaning up beaches. One group hauled a massive 440 kilograms of rubbish from the Hawkesbury River.

Our students were challenged physically; they raced each other on mountain bikes and literally paddled upstream while canoeing. There were early starts and late finishes, including stargazing around a campfire with an Aboriginal elder and movie nights to bond.

Getting to know yourself and building connections are core to the Year 9 Experience. Staff and students alike are pushed beyond what a normal classroom experience can provide. Students drew wonder and stillness in nature, challenged themselves and grew in independence, reflected on their faith and on social justice and developed relationships by being in community.

I would like to thank the many areas of the School involved that made Songlines a reality, particularly the Group Leaders and teachers who accompanied students.

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“‘Caring for Country, Walking Beside’ is something that we all need to do to create a better country. We need to care for our land the way the Aboriginal people do, and we need to walk beside them to gain knowledge on how to do so in order to ensure Australia can thrive for years to come…

JOSIE YEAR 9

The people we met from these cultures were so welcoming and told us personal stories from their family which helped us to build knowledge… they want to create a united Australia.”

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YEAR 10 SPRINT WEEK IN JUST FIVE DAYS, OUR YEAR 10 TEAMS PITCHED SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS POSED

BY EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS.

Each year, our Year 10 students participate in the SPRINT Week program. The program is based on the Design Sprint methodology for solving problems originated

by Google Ventures. It allows key members of a company or group to come together for five days with the aim of solving and testing a pressing problem. In our case, the Year 10 cohort was divided into 26 teams of six students, plus a media team tasked with documenting the story of SPRINT Week. This year, SPRINT Week had a social enterprise and community connection focus.

The week was launched in the gym by Ms Ugonotti, who spoke to the girls about overcoming fear in favour of risk and experimentation.

Our keynote speaker was journalist and activist Sarah Wilson. Her courage in discerning the right path and her commitment to businesses that remain true to her founding principles made her the perfect person to address Year 10, as they wrapped up both an extremely challenging year and four years of Integrated Learning at Loreto Normanhurst.

Students were then presented with real-world problems by our organisational partners – Taboo, Studio A, the Environmental Defenders Office - and one by our very own community. Some problems tackled included period poverty, ecocide, encouraging green travel and positioning Loreto as an intergenerational hub. We equipped the students’ ‘war rooms’ with research packs to help them understand their topic area and thus effectively develop potential solutions.

Potential solutions were sent back to the organisations who provided feedback to the groups.

On the last day of the program, students presented a final pitch judged by representatives of our partner organisations. The top three groups were selected. Taboo, one of the partner organisations, has since contacted the School to tell us that they were so impressed with the proposed solutions that they would like to work with the students to implement them moving forward!

We also see this program as a strong professional development opportunity for staff. Staff can see in action practices that facilitate team decision-making and collaboration. They were an incredible support to the students, both through their guidance and their ability to allow students the freedom to critically and creatively come up with solutions on their own.

It was a privilege and a delight to watch these young Loreto women engage with the challenges laid down by our organisational partners.

We are proud of every single Year 10 student who approached the week with passion and engagement. We thank our partners for generously providing their time to make this experience an enriching and motivating one for our Year 10 students.

MS MICHELLE ALBERT DEAN OF LEARNING

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‘From Nationals in Brisbane and Internationals streamed from America to recordings of some very humorous skits, FPS has so much to offer. My team has improved immensely in collaboration, understanding of topics, time management and writing skills. FPS has taught me invaluable lessons, including how to think critically and creatively.’

Emily, Year 11

FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an exciting and popular international academic program offered to students from Years 5-12.

Our students are the first generation of the 21st Century and FPS is one way we can prepare them for emerging new realities. The FPS Program increases awareness of the future, develops ethical leadership and collaboration skills and uses a creative problem-solving model that encourages young people to actively shape their future.

Since 1992, our FPS teams have achieved amazing results in all branches of the competition, with students regularly making it through to Nationals. Many groups of students have been so accomplished in the program that they have attended the FPS International Conference held in the USA to compete with students across the globe. 2020 was a little different due to COVID-19, but our students remained positive and adapted to the ever-changing conditions, competing virtually at both Nationals and Internationals.

The ‘Global Issues Booklet Program’ is the backbone of FPS. Students work individually or in teams of four, using a sixstep problem-solving approach to a topic, which in 2020 were: International Travel, Sleep Patterns, Gamification and Living in Poverty.

‘Community Problem Solving (CmPS)’ encourages the students to focus on being agents of change in their local communities. ‘Scenario Writing’ inspires students to develop futuristic scenarios that may unfold as a logical consequence of actions and events relating to one of the topics.

What I particularly love about FPS is how the girls form strong bonds with each other. They grow in their team-building skills, then move naturally into leadership which keeps the program going.

Several girls have been employed

by FPS after school and continue to inspire others in the program.

Future Problem Solving is growing at Loreto. Each year, we have a large group of new students who join us for the Introductory Course in Term 4. The girls are a joy to work with and I would like to thank all participants, and the student and teacher coaches for their ongoing commitment, hard work, creative ideas and enthusiasm.

MRS ROBYN ROFFEY FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING COORDINATOR

‘I have really enjoyed FPS, particularly the group work aspect because it allowed me to make new friends and share ideas with people who have different strengths to me. I was able to enhance my team-building and problem-solving skills and would definitely recommend it to anyone who seeks a challenge.’

Lara, Year 10 ‘Some highlights of FPS have been going to Nationals, having fun with my friends and making new friends.

FPS is a fun and engaging extra-curricular activity which expanded my teamwork skillset.’

Eloise, Year 9 ‘I have learnt so much from FPS, from working better in groups to thinking in depth about futuristic problems.

FPS is very challenging, but we had lots of support. It is a great activity where you can have fun, be competitive and develop a broader understanding of global issues in our world.’

Natalia, Year 8 ‘Future Problem Solving was an amazing experience.

Some of the highlights were working together with my team and the fun and thrill of the competitions. FPS helped me with time management, developed my creativity and gave me greater insight into global issues.’

Avery, Year 8

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“The Arts comfort us in grief; they energise us in celebration; they are a catalyst for change. Right now, we are in a world that is acutely uncertain about its future…

No matter what comes next, what you have the power to do is make something where there once was nothing. That is a uniquely special talent.”

ELISE MCCANN ’02 ACTRESS AND MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMER, IN HER OPENING ADDRESS AT THE ONLINE HSC SHOWCASE 2020

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OUR STAFF, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI EXPLORE THE ROLE OF CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION IN THE LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED YEAR.

When I consider the plays that our Drama students have studied, it is evident to me that they have not merely gained insight into the social contexts in which these plays are set. They have also stepped back in time to live out some of the most pivotal moments in human history; including the experience of a Polish orphan living under the Nazi regime and the grief of an Australian woman whose husband has been sent to the Vietnam War. History and the problems we face in the present come alive on stage. Through theatrical storytelling, audiences can comprehend our world from a range of perspectives, to learn from the past and to re-imagine the future.

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How will the unbelievable tales of 2020 be presented on stage in the future? What will we learn from the musings of playwrights? How will directors and actors give voice to the stories of communities that have faced crisis after crisis this year?

Theatres may have been closed, but our classrooms remained open. Our Drama students made sense of this year through theatre.

Year 11 Drama students, for example, created original group performances exploring COVID-19, the 2020 fires, police brutality and the inadequacies of some of our world leaders. At a time when our professional playwrights and actors couldn’t present their work, it could be said that our girls were the ‘first theatrical responders’ to the many crises of 2020.

MS ANNA-LEA RUSSO HEAD OF DRAMA

“I remember being in Year 12 at Loreto, knowing only that I loved spending my time playing piano, singing and doing anything that related to music… if music is your passion too, I implore you: don’t let that fall to the wayside.”

NATALIE NICOLAS ’10 COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE 2020, IN HER ADDRESS TO STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

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From the very beginning, a deep love of the Arts has linked Normo girls across time. Music concerts were held annually since the School’s establishment in 1897; they were often advertised in local newspapers and showcased a largely classical repertoire of Bach, Chopin and Verdi. In October of 1901, NSW Government Railways organised a special service between Milson’s Point and Hornsby for parents and friends to attend the concert at the Convent.

Now an annual event, the Music Festival has been a joyful celebration since its introduction in 1972. An excerpt from Sr Deirdre Browne IBVM in the Loreto Normanhurst School Magazine 1972 reads: “Everyone who took part in it showed earnestness and thoroughness in preparation, excitement and enthusiasm in performance. It was one of the happiest musical evenings I have ever known.”

Drama performances have been a popular pursuit for many students through time. The performance of My Fair Lady in 1967 is one example of the many student-led productions devised over the years. A delightful programme of the occasion was lovingly crafted to document the wide variety of creative roles the girls assumed in staging the production.* Across the decades, students at Normanhurst have been able to pursue creative arts such as photography, fine arts or pottery with Mother Evangeline Kendall IBVM, design and technology, and textiles. In more recent times, HSC courses such as History Extension, Aboriginal Studies and English Extension have allowed students to think critically as they produce major works that are reflective of their own contexts. *My sincerest thanks to Patsy Shannon for generously donating this programme to our Archives.

MS RACHEL VAUGHAN RECORDS MANAGER

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“NOD YOUR HEAD A THOSE WHO’VE CO BEFORE YOU, STIC YOUR NECK UP AB THE TREES, HOLD HIGH AND KNOW T ONE DAY SOMEON THANK YOU FOR M THE LIFE THEY WE BORN TO LIVE TAN NATALIE NICOLAS ’10 COMPOSER IN RESIDENCE 2020

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T ME K OVE IT HAT E WILL AKING RE GIBLE.” LORETO LIFE 2020

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“Loreto Normanhurst has a vibrant Visual and Performing Arts Community which fosters inventive and imaginative students who are willing to give it a go, experiment and innovate within the wonderful worlds of their craft.”

RUIHUAN LIU, CREATIVE ARTS CAPTAIN 2019–2020

Art educators know firsthand the value of being present with students. They have the role of mentor and instructor, physically there to guide students as they learn techniques and wrestle with the complexities of Visual Arts.

Never did we expect this learning environment – and the materiality of student artmaking – to be forced online as it was for part of this year.

It was serendipitous that the Visual Arts faculty provided each student with the materials that they would need for their Units of Work.

These were taken home to be cherished and used once remote learning began.

Many students excelled in lockdown. Their intuition ignited.

They had space and time to develop their ideas in private, without the perceived judgement that some students feel in a cohort. They were free to explore the materials in their own way and found making art to be a great reprieve from hours of screen time.

Giving formative feedback via our virtual learning platform, FACE Online, proved to have its difficulties, as did discussing the visceral experience of art through digital platforms. Nevertheless, the strength of students’ prior learning informed their new artmaking tasks.

The girls had a robust bag of skills that they could draw on and were able to shine.

MS MONICA BOARDMAN HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

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COVID-19 has fundamentally changed societies across the world. The terms social distancing, contact tracing, and self-isolation have entwined themselves in our daily conversations. Many of the things we take for granted transformed overnight. However, difficult times have often been the catalyst for innovative solutions to problems, and we are currently amid a revolution.

As people started working from home, communication and networking platforms such as Zoom video conferencing became essential. Apps such as ‘House Party’ and ‘Drawful’ enabled people to stay connected during long periods of isolation at home.

When ventilators were needed, James Dyson committed his company to providing their expertise in home appliances to design what the National Health Service required. Businesses large and small diversified and turned their focus to producing PPE equipment and hand sanitiser. When restrictions eased, the hospitality industry adopted technologies that minimised risk, such as QR codes and self-check-in software.

The Technological and Applied Studies department at Loreto Normanhurst offers students an opportunity to apply creative problem-solving techniques to complex real-world problems, just as these organisations have.

Our students engage in innovative thinking whether they study Textiles and Design, Hospitality, Design and Technology, Food Technology, or Information and Software Technology. The skills acquired in these subjects position our students to be the flexible social innovators we will rely on in the next decades.

MR ANTHONY HORTH ACTING HEAD OF TAS

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FROM THE ARCHIVES “We prepared for the Feast of the Corpus Christi with our usual enthusiasm. We ransacked the ‘Bush’ and came home laden with lovely creepers to decorate the route the procession was to follow…

At half-past twelve, down came the rain in a deluge … Such great expectations and such heav y disappointment.”

EUCALYPTUS BLOSSOMS 1922

FLASH BACK 100 YEARS AT THE START OF A NEW DECADE, WE JUMP BACK A CENTURY TO LIFE AT LORETO IN THE 1920S

Highlights of the year were Feast Days, the Corpus Christi Procession and concerts.

The role of Head Girl (School Captain) was introduced in 1921 – Mary Campbell was Head Girl for 1921 and 1922.

A new Chapel was established with more room for the girls and ceremonies.

The Sisters organised their own film projector in March 1928 and hosted film nights for the girls and Sisters. First were silent films like ‘Scaramouche,’ ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Ben Hur,’ but ‘talkies’ would soon be introduced.

A special visit from Mother M. Raphael Deasy caused much excitement. “At Normanhurst, the children lined the avenue, holding brilliant streamers across from side to side… [Mother-General] liked the spaciousness of Normanhurst, and walked daily in the ‘bush’ within its grounds.”

Eucalyptus Blossoms, 1925

A RCHI V ES

We would like to gratefully acknowledge Simone Meagher (’83) for her generous gift to the School of a patchwork piece inspired by her grandmother’s Yearbook from 1921. Simone’s work has been featured in several embroidery and patchwork magazines.

The School is always delighted to receive such special gifts and to hear recollections from your or your family’s days at school. If you would like to make a gift of your school memorabilia, please contact archives@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

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A RCHI V ES

TIME CAPSULE – FLASH FORWARD 100 YEARS One hundred years in the future, the 2120 caretakers of our Loreto tradition will unearth the Time Capsule that was buried in our gardens on the last day of Term 4, as we concluded a historic year in the life of Loreto Normanhurst.

The burial site – between the grotto to Our Lady and the statue of St Michael present in all Loreto schools – is a special one as it is near the place of the first Oak Tree planted in 1897 when our School was established.

The accompanying plaque explains that the Time Capsule was “buried in December 2020 to commemorate the lived experiences of the Loreto Normanhurst school community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to mark a time when life was disrupted and the future uncertain.”

The Time Capsule project was launched by the Pastoral Team and coordinated by Records Manager, Ms Rachel Vaughan. Thank you to the Pastoral Team and Rachel who worked patiently to collect and preserve the contents sealed inside the Time Capsule. The finished product was a fascinating and comprehensive snapshot of the year that was, and a wonderful glimpse of the Normo community spirit, grit and determination that prevailed in 2020.

During the period of remote learning, students were asked to contribute to the Time Capsule in a range of ways including journaling, stories, videos, images, letters and drawings of the ‘View through my Window’. These items were included in the capsule from students, as well as from staff, alumni and families. Inside the capsule is also a glossary of COVID-19 terms, and two staples of the pandemic – an empty bottle of hand sanitiser and a roll of toilet paper!

MEMBERS OF THE ANDERSON FAMILY RECOUNTED THEIR EXPERIENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN LETTERS BURIED IN OUR TIME CAPSULE. ENJOY THE FOLLOWING EXCERPTS FROM THEIR REFLECTIONS.

In this time of COVID-19, I have been thinking of long ago during the Second World War. I was a boarder at Loreto Normanhurst.

We had rationing books for food, clothes and petrol. I often went to a school friend’s home in the country and took petrol coupons for them and in exchange I was always given a case of fresh meat from my country friends to bring home. It was a case of everyone helping each other in whatever way they could.

Joy Anderson (nee Foley ’48)

The COVID-19 experience in Melbourne has been a roller coaster. One of the highlights during the severe Stage 4 Lockdown was tuning in online to an interview with Sr Deirdre Browne IBVM. It was delightful to hear some of the hymns that Deirdre composed for us when I was a little girl in the Junior School at Loreto Normanhurst.

Annemaree Jones (nee Anderson, ’75)

Regardless of how long you have lived in the U.A.E there is no path to citizenship. After living in Dubai for 28 years, we had to leave in September with Brisbane as our new home. After two weeks of quarantine, we slowly settled into our new life. We are hopeful of spending time with family when borders open.

Tim Anderson (attended Loreto Normanhurst until Year 2, 1967)

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The Spanish flu pandemic emerged at the end of the First World War. Although the strain did not originate in Spain, it was the first country where the disease was widely reported as soldiers travelled throughout Western Europe in 1918.

Cases of the Spanish flu appeared in Australia in early January 1919, with the first diagnosis in Melbourne.

NSW and South Australia were quick to follow, announcing outbreaks within their state borders.

NORMANHURST IN LOCKDOW N – 100 YEARS AGO AS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO AFFECT THE WAY WE LIVE AND LEARN, WE LOOK BACK TO WHEN OUR LORETO NORMANHURST SCHOOL COMMUNITY EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY.

Despite a swift quarantine response by state governments – intercepting ships, setting up emergency hospitals and introducing public health measures – about 40 per cent of the population fell ill with what was commonly referred to in Australia as ‘influenza.’

An article by The Cumberland Argus (1 February 1919) instructed Hornsby Shire residents on best hygiene practices, echoing the health advice of this year: “The advice of the Department of Health to all citizens is to wear a gauge respirator… [in] enclosed spaces which are also occupied by any other persons… Keep in the fresh air…Wash your hands and face immediately upon reaching your home.”

As Loreto Normanhurst stood away from metropolitan Sydney, the School was relatively protected from exposure. To adopt a key phrase from this year, the School was good at ‘social distancing’ from the general public. Typically, the Sisters only left the grounds for significant appointments, produce was grown onsite and most students were boarders. During the outbreak, the NSW Government restricted travel to country areas and boarders remained at School across the holidays. The few Day girls appear to have been sent home from school or were withdrawn early in the year.

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An excerpt from the Normanhurst Diary 1919 reads: “The children spent the Easter holidays at Normanhurst and cheerfully made up their minds to spend a pleasant week in reading, outdoor games and picnics, ending with a most enjoyable Fancy Dress Ball.”

Mother Stanislaus Mornane IBVM was the Mother Superior of Loreto Normanhurst at the time. The 19 sisters in the Normanhurst community provided reassurance and stability for the School at a time without the possibility of remote learning or instant news updates.

Similar to this year, girls busied themselves with extra-curricular pursuits such as music, art, fitness and reading. Boarders enjoyed picnicking, exploring the bush behind the school and spreading out on the lawns. There seems to have been little interruption to their learning, with records indicating the girls sat their examinations as usual (and performed quite well!).

A typical school year would have involved a visit from the Provincial Leader or other Loreto Sisters, as well as special guests and families.

No visitors were admitted to the school until the last term of the year. The Normanhurst Visitation Book entry for 1919 simply reads:

“The spirit of the community is good; all are happy and earnest in their work for God.”

The Normanhurst Pupil Register 1919 mentions that the Corpus Christi procession could not take place. The annual reunion of the Past Pupil’s Association (now ExStudents’ Association) in 1919 was rescheduled. Like this year with its restrictions on gatherings, only two weddings were recorded for exstudents in 1919, occurring towards the end of the year. The Sacrament continued to be administered on the first Sunday of the month, and several children received their first communion.

Volunteer-driven organisations, such as the Red Cross, were instrumental in providing the families of the unwell with groceries and blankets. A local emergency relief centre was established in Hornsby which, at the height of the pandemic, had 150 persons per day seeking medical assistance. This year, Loreto Normanhurst supported the House of Welcome and Kuring-gai Neighbourhood Centre in providing supplies to those who faced extreme difficulty with unemployment or isolation.

It seems that, 100 years later, the spirit of our Loreto Normanhurst community still stands strong in the face of adversity as we adapt to a ‘new normal’. To commemorate the experiences of students, staff and the wider school community, a Loreto Normanhurst Time Capsule was buried in December 2020. As we have drawn inspiration from those who endured similar hardship a century ago, it is hoped that in 100 years’ time the capsule will be valued by our successors as they reflect upon the lived experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate. ‘To Avoid Influenza.’ 1 February 1919. p.12.

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate. ‘Influenza at Hornsby.’ 21 June 1919. p.14.

National Museum of Australia. ‘Defining Moments: Influenza pandemic.’ Updated 7 October 2020.

Normanhurst Visitation Book. 1898-1995.

Loreto Normanhurst Archives.

MS RACHEL VAUGHAN, RECORDS MANAGER

Record of Boarders – Normanhurst Pupil Register. 1908-1942. Loreto Normanhurst Archives.

MS LYNNETTE FOLEY-JONES, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

School Diary. 1897-1966. Loreto Normanhurst Archives.

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HOW OUR COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

MS LIANE GIULIANO DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

You may recall when I began my journey as Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at Loreto Normanhurst just over six months ago, I reflected on the words of Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Chosen by our students as the theme for the 2020 Music Festival, the words embodied the difference that they—and we— wanted to make through our Music Festival and Annual Giving appeals for all Loreto Normanhurst girls.

As I reflect on the year, I find myself again thinking about those words; if 2020 has taught us anything, it has taught us how important love, family and community are in holding us together and lifting us up.

While the pandemic may have limited my ability to meet our wider community in person, it afforded me the opportunity to witness our students supporting each other through one of the many opportunities at the School, such as the Year 10 SPRINT program or assisting our future students on Orientation Day. I’ve seen parents and teachers partnering to ensure our girls stay resilient and keep their minds and hearts open to change the world. I’ve had conversations via Zoom and over the phone with ex-students sending prayers and offering gratitude for the education that shaped their lives.

This leads me to the impact and purpose of philanthropy – which is to bring people together to help each other, to stimulate the human spirit, to foster kindness and generosity and to liberate and empower our girls.

WORKPLACE GIVING

You may be interested to know how philanthropy is deeply embedded in our school. Many of our staff give on a regular and ongoing basis to the Work and Welcome Program which helps refugees find a place to work in our communities. There are also work staff that contribute from their salary each fortnight to the Building and/or Bursary Funds, so that girls who might not otherwise have the chance to benefit from a Loreto education can study here.

We are deeply grateful for their generosity.

BURSARY (WELFARE) FUND

During a difficult economic year, our parents and ex-students stepped up in a life-changing way.

Many contributed towards the sum of more than $95,000 that was raised for the Bursary (Welfare) Fund. This year alone, we supported fifteen families in necessitous circumstances to a value of $309,374. This is a 100% increase on 2019.

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

BUILDING FUND

2020 IN NUMBERS

Some Giving Statistics

200

12%

3%

9%

4%

Gifts from our Community 72%

We raised more than $190,000 for the Building Fund, which will help upgrade the Science Labs and Drama Space, and drive the sustainability initiatives aligned with our vision of being an ecology-centred school.

Advents Calendars sold

We are so grateful for this generous support and for our past benefactors who gave knowing that their gift would change lives in the future. Yes, this has been a demanding and challenging year in so many ways. Nevertheless, our community of students, staff and families have responded undaunted, standing on the shoulders of the giants and looking further into the future.

250

Donations from the Music Festival

2020 Building Fund donations

$192,616 2020 Bursary (Welfare) Fund

$95,986

While we live with hope, we know that there will be obstacles to many of our students and their families.

Your help is still urgently needed.

In 2021, you will be invited to join us by supporting one of our key priorities:

Current Parents

(1) our existing Bursary (Welfare) Fund to open doors for families in necessitous circumstances; (2) a new Bursary Program to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families; or (3) the Building Fund to undertake major capital works to provide a first-rate learning experience for our students.

Staff

(comprised of Music Festival, Annual Giving, staff Workplace Giving and miscellaneous donations)

Friends of LN, including past and future parents

Alumni

Alumni Current Parents

Thank you to our parent community – past, present and future – who together contribute the most gifts.

Every gift, no matter the size, will make a difference. You may like to consider a gift in your Will or a legacy gift in honour of a loved one. These gifts have the potential to change the life of not just one girl but a generation of girls if you choose. Information on bequests and legacy gifts can be obtained by contacting me at lgiuliano@ loretonh.nsw.edu.au or by phone (02) 9473 7307.

There’s never been a more important time to join us on this journey as we look to the future and continue to honour the past in the spirit of those who have gone before us. This is your opportunity to make a difference so that our girls will be able to see further from your shoulders.

Donations can be made via the Donations and Giving page on our website.

THE KNOWLES FAMILY REFLECT ON THE SUPPORT OFFERED BY BURSARY ASSISTANCE

“Loreto offered my family bursary assistance after Mum was diagnosed. Mum was unable to work and it also meant Dad was able to spend more time caring for Mum. I will always be so grateful for the support I was offered by my friends and all the staff, especially the Director of Boarding and my boarding supervisors.”

“The Bursaries meant all our daughters could finish a Loreto education, which was very important to my wife Bernadette and me. Our eldest daughter Hannah had already received a full-tuition scholarship but without the financial assistance provided by the Bursary Fund, we would not have been able to give our other girls this opportunity.”

Georgia Knowles (’16)

Mr Nick Knowles Father of Hannah (’10), Emily (’12) and Georgia (’16)

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AWARDS AND DONORS THE LEGACY OF A SIGNIFICANT MEMBER OF OUR LORETO NORMANHURST COMMUNITY IS SOMETIMES REMEMBERED THROUGH THE GENEROUS DONATION OF AN AWARD OR SCHOLARSHIP. WE ACKNOWLEDGE TWO MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHOSE MEMORIES LIVE ON IN THIS RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT AND SERVICE AMONG CURRENT STUDENTS.

PAT TAYLOR AWARD

TEDDY COOLICAN CUP

Pat Taylor attended both Loreto Normanhurst and Kirribilli between 1921 and 1931. Her extensive contributions as President of the Ex-Students’ Association, including cementing the organisation’s support of the School’s Bursary Fund and fundraising efforts for those living in poverty, saw her honoured as its Patron in 1972. Her tireless service to the Association and her compassion for others is remembered by many current committee members who were mentored by Pat. Pat also served as President of the Mothers’ Committee and a Loreto Federation President. Pat passed away in 2001.

Dr Raphael Francis Edward Coolican, known as Teddy, was born in England in 1924. His family moved to Japan in 1932, where his father practiced medicine. Teddy himself studied medicine at Trinity College, Dublin, which he represented in swimming, rugby and boxing.

In 1946, Teddy played rugby for Ireland against Wales.

The Pat Taylor Award for Commitment to Loreto Normanhurst is donated by the Ex-Students’ Association in her memory. It is awarded to a Year 12 student who is heavily involved across multiple areas of the school community and is reliable and supportive in nature, making a consistent contribution behind the scenes.

The recipient of the 2020 Pat Taylor Award for Commitment to Loreto Normanhurst was Molly Carter, for her engagement in all facets of community life across the FACE Curriculum and her leadership as Aston House Captain.

We wish to thank Mrs Mary Ronzani (nee Dwyer, ’71) and her husband, Dennis Ronzani, for their generous donation to the Bursary Fund as a 50th wedding anniversary gift to her brother and sister-in-law, Garrett and Margot Dwyer (nee Taylor, ’69). Margot is the daughter of Pat Taylor, whom the donation honours for her establishment of the Ex-Students’ Bursary Fund.

LORETO LIFE 2020

After graduating, Teddy moved to Australia and took over a medical practice in Bourke, NSW, where he met his wife Natalie who was also a doctor. While in Bourke, Teddy launched a junior sporting program aimed at improving the health of local young people. Teddy and Natalie had six children – four daughters and two sons. Margaret and Hilary Coolican attended Loreto Normanhurst after the family left Bourke.

The Teddy Coolican Cup is presented to a Year 12 student who is generously involved in many areas of school life such as sport, oratory, music and liturgy.

The recipient of the 2020 Teddy Coolican Cup was Phillipa Studdert, who was a role model for students and humbly shared her talents with our community.

We deeply appreciate those families that support our current students with these legacy gifts. If you would like to donate an award in honour of a family member, please contact Ms Liane Giuliano, Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at lgiuliano@loretonh.nsw.edu.au.

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

FROM OUR EX-STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT On behalf of the School community, the Community Engagement Team members wish to express our gratitude for Patsy’s patient and joyful leadership as President of the Ex-Students’ Association.

Patsy has been an active member since 1979, serving as Vice President and President at various times from 2007 to 2020. We say a heartfelt thank you, but not goodbye, and look forward to working with Patsy on other projects in the future.

The times of isolation and uncertainty throughout 2020 have made me appreciate the gathering of old friends and the support of our ex-student community.

As I conclude my final year as President of the Ex-Students’ Association, I am grateful to have been able to connect, albeit from a distance, with many of you.

The Ex-Students’ Association met with the Class of 2020 via Zoom in September to wish them well and invite them as our newest members.

When we couldn’t gather for our customary luncheon, the School helped us celebrate our Golden Jubilarians with the gift of an Advent Calendar. Newsletters and social media have helped us stay in touch and celebrate alumni achievements and milestones.

I would like to say a special thank you to Ms Marina Ugonotti, Principal, for the inclusiveness and respect she has personally extended to me and the Ex-Students’ Association.

Marina has navigated the challenge of pivoting the School programs this year so efficiently, while caring for the wellbeing of all students and staff and retaining her good humour and positivity. I also wish to thank the Community Engagement Team and the IBVM, who have assisted me over many years in running the Ex-Students’ Association. I have received wonderful guidance from Sr Wendy Hildebrand IBVM, Province Leader, and Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM, who sits on our Committee.

Throughout my time as President, I have enjoyed catching up with the sisters at Normanhurst and Kirribilli functions.

MS PATSY SHANNON PRESIDENT EX-STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Of course, it goes without saying that I am extremely grateful to all members of my Committee, especially my Executive – Janneke Chudleigh (nee Pieterse, ’71), Vicki Hall (’72) and Cathy Gray (’72) – who have worked so cheerfully and so hard to support our fundraising efforts and raise the profile of the ex-students within the School community.

Despite the uncertainty of this year, we managed wonderful success in our fundraising. We were able to contribute a considerable sum towards a bursary for a student in Year 11 or 12, supported the Buy a Bale drought relief project and helped Loreto Kolkata in West Bengal with funding for sewing machines to make hygiene products for girls to improve their health, confidence and dignity. Thank you to all members of our community for your generosity and selflessness in assisting these causes.

As we move into a new year, I think we should celebrate our past achievements, reflect on the present challenging times we live in and build on leaving an enduring legacy for future ex-students.

I do hope that our 2020 committee has lived up to Mother Gonzaga Barry’s wise words, “leave after you do something on which others may build,” in paving the way for the next Committee.

It has been an absolute honour and privilege to walk in the shoes of previous Normanhurst Ex-Students’ Association Presidents. I wish Sam Wegner (nee Ward, ’89) the best of luck as she takes on the role. I step down with pride, satisfaction and gratitude for the many opportunities the role of Ex-Students’ Association President has afforded me by way of active involvement in the School community, with the IBVM and with local and interstate Loreto contacts through Loreto Federation.

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ADVENT CALENDARS – A NORMO FIRST We were thrilled to share our first-ever custom-designed Loreto Normanhurst Advent Calendars.

We hope you enjoyed opening each window, alongside fellow alumni, students, staff and community members, to reveal special symbols of our Loreto tradition during the joyful approach to Christmas.

The Advent Calendar was originally conceived as a gift for our treasured Golden Jubilarian exstudents, in lieu of our customary end-of-year luncheon. It was so well-received that we decided to make it available for purchase to our wider community. Two hundred Advent Calendars were sold with all profits going to the School’s Bursary (Welfare) Fund. We also acknowledge those members of our community who made additional donations to the Bursary Fund and thank them for extending this kindness and generosity.

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STAYING

Despite restrictions on travel and gatherings, our Loreto spirit and sense of community prevailed this year. It took some extra creativity, but we kept in touch and enjoyed wonderful virtual events that reached alumni living interstate and even overseas. Religious Education students wrote Christmas cards to connect with graduates from the classes of 1960 and 1970, who normally would have met in person to celebrate their 60 or 50-year reunions. The Class of 1970 – our newest Golden Jubilarians – also received a Loreto Hat Pin as they were welcomed into this esteemed group of ex-students. Staying connected was as important as ever in the context of 2020!

COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

CONNECTED MS ALEXI K AYES

YEAR 11 ALUMNI CAREER CHATS In November 2020, the Loreto Normanhurst Careers Department piloted our ‘Alumni Career Chats’ program which matched current Year 11 students with alumni for a ‘one to one’ career discussion.

The aim of the program was to assist students in their understanding of a career path of interest, facilitated through a Q&A session with alumni volunteers via Zoom.

This virtual format allowed students to connect with ex-students from all over Australia. Students found the experience highly informative and were very grateful to participating alumni, who also appreciated the opportunity to re-connect.

It was wonderful to see the varied career paths that our alumni have pursued as women of influence.

They shared their advice and expertise in law, psychology, business, neuropsychology, engineering, journalism, marketing, fine arts/design, nursing, HR, speech pathology, politics, international relations, teaching, dietetics, social work, physiotherapy and medicine.

A big thank you to our alumni who volunteered for this program.

We hope to develop the program further in years to come.

CAREERS ADVISOR

R ADIO REUNION – A CHANCE ENCOUNTER When a member of the School teaching staff happened to tune in to the radio, little did she know that it would lead to a special reconnection. Ms Mary Anne de Mattia caught the end of a radio broadcast in which a caller recollected the moment when peace was declared in the Pacific 75 years ago. She attended Loreto Normanhurst at the time. Our Community Engagement team dove into archives and databases and were delighted to eventually contact Yvonne Quarrell, aged 90, who had commenced at Normanhurst as a boarder when she was 15 in 1945. Yvonne was “touched and delighted that a Loreto Normanhurst teacher heard her phone call to the radio” and was interested in what was happening at her “deeply cherished school filled with so many fond memories.” This encounter is a perfect demonstration of how our School, staff and alumni communities so closely interlink!

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REUNIONS SEVERAL OF OUR EX-STUDENT GROUPS WERE DUE TO MARK IMPORTANT MILESTONES THIS YEAR. IN LIEU OF GATHERING TOGETHER, WE CELEBRATE THEIR REUNIONS FROM AFAR WITH THESE BLASTS FROM THE PAST! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:

1960 PREFECTS

FROM AFAR LORETO LIFE 2020

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

CLASS OF 1960, FOR 60 YEARS

CLASS OF 1970, FOR 50 YEARS

CLASS OF 1980, FOR 40 YEARS

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CLASS OF 1990, FOR 30 YEARS

CLASS OF 2000, FOR 20 YEARS

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

CLASS OF 2010, FOR 10 YEARS

CLASS OF 2015, FOR 5 YEARS

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ALUMNI NEWS

ACHIEVEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ALUMNI

Sophie Wills (’16), recipient of NSW Ministry of Health – Healthier Communities Award (and previous LN Samantha Mar Scholarship recipient) as part of the NSW/ACT 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards 2020, for founding and leading the non-profit Community Defib Project in Wiseman’s Ferry.

MARRIAGES

Sophie Payten a.k.a Gordi (’10), nominated for an ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album, for her second studio album, Our Two Skins, which debuted live this year at the Sydney Opera House.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNA (NEE BRZESKA, ’05) AND LLOYD STROUD

Harriet O’Malley (’85), recipient of a Medal of the Order of Australia for services to Australia-France relations, Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019.

Jessica Cerro a.k.a Montaigne, (’13), selected to represent Australia at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

Ainsley Woods (’19), recipient of Rhode Island Athletic Scholarship, New York, for rowing.

If you would like to share any of your achievements with us, please email development@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

Therese Powell (nee Hickey, ’81) and Maryanne Gauchat (nee Hickey, ’68), on the death of their mother, Patricia Hickey (nee Quinn, ’40 – Head Girl), sister to Anne Crosby (nee Quinn, ’48), Jean Porter (nee Quinn, ’52), and the late Kay Ross (nee Quinn, ’43)

VALE

Samantha Collier (’05), on the death of her mother, Belinda Collier

WE OFFER OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE FOLLOWING EX-STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Helen Anderson (nee Mulcahy, ’68), Julia Harrison (nee Mulcahy, ’70), and the late Stephanie Mulcahy (’72), on the death of their father, Dr Maurice Mulcahy

The family of Kathy Kemeny (nee Sullivan, ’73)

The family of Samantha Langford (’13)

The family of Angela Keighery (nee Kirov, ’70)

The family of Sheila Christian (nee Adams, ’42)

The family of Ingrid Callil (’60)

Barbara Murray (nee Montague, ’57), on the death of her sister, Anne Galbraith (nee Montague, ’54)

Julia Merkel (’64) on the death of her mother, Paula; aunt of Linda King (nee Merkel, ’72), Fiona Merkel (’71), Helen Merkel (’69), Jane Merkel (’69) and Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM (’61)

Jill Slennett (nee Brady, ’73), Margot Wynn (nee Slennett, ’05), Annie Joseph (nee Brady, ’72) and Lucy Joseph (’07) on the death of their son, brother, nephew and cousin, Daniel Slennett

Judith Bonner (’67) on the death of her mother, Joan Bonner (nee Cassells, ’42)

Sally Glover (’12) and Sr Libby Rogerson IBVM (’61), on the death of their grandmother and aunt, Marie Liddle

Marianne Keighery (nee Kearney, ’71), Gail Barrett (nee Kearney, ’65) and Linda Griffiths (nee Kearney, ’67) on the death of their sister, Carolyn Kearney (’69), cousin to the Hollingdale family

Genevieve Lusher (nee Hollingdale ’69), Camille Hollingdale (’70), Deborah Griffin (nee Hollingdale ’71), Penelope Robson (Hollingdale ’72), Gillian Hollingdale (’78), Georgina Hollingdale (’79), and Michael Hollingdale (Loreto Old Boy), on the death of their brother, Patrick Hollingdale (Loreto Old Boy)

Mary Poirrier (nee McEvoy, ’57), Anne-Marie Oong (’84), Sarah ‘Sally’ Oong (’86), Katrina Oong (’19), Natalie Oong (’16), Chloe and Zara Oong (’21), Sophie Moore (’05) and Tahli Moore (’12) on the death of their sister-in-law, aunt and greataunt, Diane Poirrier (’58)

Susan O’Hare (nee Slattery, ’74), on the death of her daughter, Victoria

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ALUMNI NEWS

2020 EVENTS Canberra Chapter Reunion On Saturday 14 March 2020, before the ‘lockdown’ period, Loreto alumni gathered for the annual Canberra Loreto Chapter gathering. The Mass at St Benedict’s Narrabundah, presided by Father Dan Benedetti, was a calm and inspiring way to set the mood for this annual event.

As a result of contributions and the raffle, a donation of $2,000 was made to Mary Ward International Australia. It was wonderful to have so many age groups and Loreto Convents represented from across the country, cementing the Canberra lunch as a unique and wonderful tradition.

Class of 2016: 5 Year Reunion

Class of 2011: 10 Year Reunion

Class of 2001: 20 Year Reunion

Class of 1991: 30 Year Reunion

Class of 1981: 40 Year Reunion

Class of 1971: 50 Year Reunion

Class of 1961: 60 Year Reunion

For details about the Class of 1980 Reunion, contact the Community Engagement team at: development@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

2021 REUNIONS THINKING ABOUT YOUR 2021 CLASS REUNION?

LORETO LIFE 2020

For details about the Class of 2000 Reunion, contact the Organising Committee at: normo2000reunion@gmail.com If you would like assistance with connecting with your year group and promoting your 2021 Reunion event – or your belated 2020 Reunion event – email the Community Engagement team at: development@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

UPCOMING EVENTS

Canberra Chapter Reunion 2021 Date: Saturday, 13 March 2021

THESE EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS WE KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT HEALTH ADVICE.

Time: Mass at 11.30am, St Benedict’s Church, Narrabundah ACT. Lunch to follow at 12.30pm.

For more details and to RSVP, contact Rizpah Jarvis (Normanhurst, ’97) at rizjarvis@hotmail.com Loreto Federation 2021 – Save the Date The celebration of Loreto Federation 2021 will be held from 8-10 October 2021 at Loreto College Marryatville, SA. We invite Loreto alumni, family and friends from around Australia to come together to hear from a diverse range of influential speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the theme, ‘INSPIRE.’ For more information, contact loretofederation2021@gmail.com

Ex-Students’ Theatre Party – Come from Away Date: Thursday, 17 June 2021, 7pm Venue: The Capitol Theatre, Haymarket, Sydney RSVP: 30 April 2021, via Trybooking website: www.trybooking.com/ BLIFU Loreto Normanhurst and Kirribilli ex-students invite you to the awardwinning Broadway production Come from Away – The Musical. The exclusive reservation includes a Q&A with the cast after the show.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Mary Ward International.

We are delighted to share our plans for these Loreto Normanhurst events subject to health guidelines.

Virtual Open Day 2021 Saturday, 6 March 2021 Women of Influence Evening Monday, 8 March 2021 Spring Fair 2021 Sunday, 31 October 2021 Music Festival 2021 Friday, 18 June 2021

STAY IN TOUCH Please help us stay in contact with you by visiting our website to update your details. Our Details Form now includes ‘House’ and ‘Boarder or Day Student.’

We also invite you to follow the Loreto Normanhurst Alumni Facebook page at www.facebook. com/loretonhAlumni/

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COMMU NITY ENGAGEMENT

FROM THE PARENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT 2020 has certainly changed the way we learn and work, and this has been true of our Parent Association.

“2020 has certainly changed the way we learn and work.”

PAL started the year strong with a successful Open Day, thanks to the numerous volunteers who signed up to assist on the day. Year groups were allocated to run the stalls and our merchandise stall was a triumph, with our Loreto Parent caps selling very well. We were also able to host a wonderful Welcome Cocktail Party to launch the year; it was lovely to meet our new parents as well as catch up with familiar faces.

Our focus shifted, of course, when COVID-19 prevented us from hosting many of our typical events. PAL were mindful that many families in our community were doing it very tough, facing hardship and challenges caused by the uncertainty of the pandemic and the economy. While most fundraisers were put on hold, we were pleased to have held our recent Annual Tuition Raffle for current families with the prize of $15,000 towards the 2021 tuition fees.

The Executive Committee had also planned in 2020 to build the parent community at a year group level, and although gatherings were unable to proceed, we are grateful for the efforts of our Year Parent Representative network. A special mention goes to our Year 12 Parent Reps in their final year. To those of you who are leaving Loreto this year, thank you for all of your support and assistance over your time at Loreto.

You will always be part of the Loreto family and we hope you will remain in touch.

On behalf of PAL, I would like to thank Ms Marina Ugonotti and the wonderful staff at Loreto Normanhurst for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The School, at all times, made it a priority to protect the safety and wellbeing of our girls, while providing them with excellent online learning programs and support. They cultivated a sense of togetherness even though the girls were not physically together. In celebration of World Teachers’ Day, we were delighted to provide Loretocoloured cupcakes to staff as a token of our gratitude for this strong leadership and guidance.

Thank you also to the Community Engagement Office for their ongoing support of PAL. PAL are excited to work with the new Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement, Ms Liane Giuliano, who will be our main point of contact with the School.

We are grateful also to the PAL Committee for their tireless work throughout the year and look forward to collaborating with those who have volunteered for the committee in 2021. We hope the new year offers PAL more opportunities to bring our families and community together.

MRS JANE DALTON PRESIDENT, PARENT ASSOCIATION OF LORETO

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CONNECT WITH US

FACEBOOK

LINKEDIN

www.facebook.com/loretonh

www.linkedin.com/school/ loreto-normanhurst

www.facebook.com/ loretonhprimary www.facebook.com/loretonhalumni www.facebook.com/loretonhsport

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.

INSTAGRAM

www.instagram.com/loretonh/ Follow us on Instagram – look for our handle @loretonh and hashtag #loretonh to contribute your favourite school memories.

LORETO WEBSITE

STAY CONNECTED

Share your news If you have any news you wold like to share with the Loreto community, please email: news@loretonh.nsw.edu.au

www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au

We would love to hear from you.

Please note that contributions are subject to consideration by the editorial team.

TWITTER

Stay in contact

www.twitter.com/loretonh

Please ensure you update your contact details with us so we can keep in contact.

Please email: development@loretonh.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 9473 7300 to update your details.

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WWW.LORETONH.NSW.EDU.AU

First Loreto.

Then the world.

Discover where Loreto Normanhurst can take you.

Register now for a tour at www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au

Women in time to come will do much.

– MARY WARD 1585–16 45