Celebrating our Achievements

Olivia Spyrou We congratulate Olivia Spyrou (Year 9) who was selected to participate in the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Academy. As one of only four students from Melbourne, the group rehearsed for a performance in July at City Recital Hall. Led by ACO Violinist Aiko Goto, the Academy involved a week of intense rehearsals and mentorship from ACO professional musicians.

Elaine Ye We congratulate Elaine Ye (Year 8) who won first prize in the Swinburne Junior Italian Poetry Competition in the non-Italian section, participating with students from over 30 schools all over Victoria. Our students worked incredibly hard and represented our school very well. We are so proud of Elaine and all of our girls. Bravissime ragazze!

Amelia Pastore While our Stage Band were in South Australia at the Generations in Jazz Music Festival, we also had one of our contemporary music students invited to perform at the Xavier Maytime Fair. Thank you to Amelia Pastore (Year 9) for sharing her time and talent while helping the Jesuit Mission with their fundraising.

Poppy Phillips We are excited to celebrate the achievements of Poppy Phillips (Year 8, pictured centre) who attended a water polo training camp at the University of Southern California in June. The camp involved skills and training with the Head Women’s Coach and players from all over the world; an amazing opportunity for Poppy. Poppy also represented Victoria at a national tournament in July.

Angela Yin We congratulate Angela Yin (Year 6) who was awarded first place in the Music Society of Victoria Frank Biesterfeldt Award 12 Years and Under on oboe; third place on piano in the Boroondara Eisteddfod; first place on oboe and third place on piano in the Monash Youth Music Festival. Angela also received High Distinction in her AMEB Grade 8 Piano examination.

Sophie Jacka We congratulate Sophie Jacka (Year 5) who represented Team Victoria in the School Sport Australia National Swimming Championships at MSAC. Sophie placed eleventh in 50m Freestyle, third in Medley Relay, eighth in 100m Butterfly (PB) and fourth in Freestyle Relay, topping many of her PBs in the process. An incredible achievement to reach such a high level of competition.

Flute Quartet We congratulate our Flute Quartet, (pictured L-R) comprised of Vivian Jin (Year 12), Demi Zafiropoulos (Year 10), Laura Ellingworth (Year 11) and Helena McArdle (Year 12) who were awarded second place at the 26th Victorian Flute Guild Competition held at MLC. The Quartet performed Tchaikovsky’s Miniature Overture from The Nutcracker Suite.

Alice Qiu We congratulate Victorian Tennis Academy’s (VTA) Player of Term 2, Alice Qiu (Year 6). Selected from 450 players, Alice was recognised for her commitment and improvement during her coaching sessions at Loreto Toorak. Alice represented the VTA in their internal competition, exhibiting consistent play and great teamwork, and hopes to represent the School in GSV next year.

Olivia Di Cocco In June, the MSO performed a work of great cultural and historical significance, Eumeralla – A War Requiem for Peace by indigenous composer Deborah Cheetham AO. We congratulate Olivia Di Cocco (Year 12, pictured right) and Olivia Spyrou (Year 9) and who were selected from among their MYO peers to play alongside the MSO; an exciting and significant achievement for our girls.

Sophie Leishman We applaud Sophie Leishman (Year 6) who was selected to represent Victoria with the SSV U12 State Hockey team in the School Sport Australia National Hockey Championships in Bendigo. Sophie captained her team to third place overall, receiving a bronze medal. An incredible achievement to reach such a high level of competition.

Sabrina Rickard It is with delight that we celebrate Sabrina Rickard (Year 10) who represented Loreto Toorak in the State Chess Tournament. Sabrina placed 16th out of a total 94 students, receiving a silver medal. Based on her results, Sabrina qualified for the State Championships in October. Sabrina was also awarded the honour of achieving the second highest ranking female.

Olivia Hallam We congratulate Olivia Hallam (Year 10, pictured bottom left) who represented her club, the Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club, to compete in the Beach Water Polo Championships in Corfu, Greece. Olivia alongside her team played some tough competition to place first in the tournament in the U17 division against South Africa.

Catie Boyle We applaud Catie Boyle (Year 7) who was selected to represent the School Sport Victorian State Swimming Team and competed in August at the School Sport Australian Swimming Championships at MSAC. Catie qualified for the 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 200m Freestyle and two relays, producing some excellent results.

Matilda & Mimi We congratulate two Rathfarnham students who celebrated success in the finals of the State Primary Track and Field Championships; Matilda Hume (Year 5, pictured right) placed seventh in the 11-year-old 80m Hurdles with a time of 13.88, and Mimi Tucker (Year 5) placed fourth in the 11-year-old 200m sprint with a time of 29.06.

Anastasia Purcell We are proud to celebrate the success of Anastasia Purcell (Year 11) who represented Australia at the Oceana Championships in Townsville in July. Anastasia performed exceptionally well, winning first place in the 400m individual event and first in the 4x400m relay where her team achieved the Oceana Meet Record.

Grace Taranto We congratulate Grace Taranto (Year 10) who has been selected into the Australian Women’s U17 National Football Team. This outstanding achievement will mean that Grace will travel to Tonga, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands to participate in the Junior Matildas Pacific Step Up Tour. We wish Grace every success and look forward to keeping up to date with her results.

Vera Zeng We congratulate Vera Zeng (Year 4) who produced an outstanding individual performance at her Chess tournament, winning six out of her seven matches and achieving second place from the total group of 130 players. Vera achieved the accolade of top performing Primary student. Vera played on table number one and lost to the ultimate winner of the Primary division.

Macy Pegoli Congratulations to Macy Pegoli (Year 12) who competed at the National Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships on the Gold Coast in September. Macy competed in the highest international division in WAG with excellent routines on bars, beam, floor and vault. We congratulate Macy on her incredible effort throughout the competition.

Dominique Hart Congratulations to Dominique Hart (Year 12) who won the bronze medal at the Queensland State Open Water Championships in the 5K swim. Dominique was representing Swimming Victoria on the Open Water State Team. In addition to her third place finish, Dominique qualified for the 2020 Australian Open Water National Swim Championships.

Senior A Badminton Congratulations to the Senior A Badminton team for their efforts this season, awarded the Zone Pennant after finishing as runners-up in the grand final in a tough competition against PLC. We commend Shannon Mao, Anne See, Vivienne Johnston, Claire McLaughlin, Kiara Rodrigo-Sathianathen, Emma Yan, Kristy Nguyen and Yong Shuo Li.

Abigail Gitsham We applaud Abigail Gitsham (Year 9) whose short film Little Girl Lost was selected to play at the Cameo Cinemas as a part of the Lantern and Light Children’s Film Festival. Abigail was also part of an all-female panel which discussed the challenges and joys of film-making, the means in which young people can find the voice and their goals for the future.

D Grade Debating Congratulations to our Year 9 D Grade Debating team, Alexandra Tarraran, Eleanor O’Brien, Elizabeth Negline, Elena Chiam and Eleanor Martin, who were awarded runners-up in the grand final. Debating the negative side of the topic; “Australia should cease trade with countries that still use capital punishment” the girls debated valiantly against Melbourne High School.

Sophie & Emma Varis Congratulations to Sophie Varis (Year 9, pictured above) and Emma Varis (Year 7) who competed at the Aerobic Gymnastics National Clubs Competition. Sophie placed first in the AG1 Individual category and Emma competed in the Level 6 Junior Individual category placing fifth. Well done girls.

Ruby Richardson We congratulate Ruby Richardson (Year 11) who was awarded the new Australian Olympic Change-Maker award, evolving from the Pierre de Coubertin Award, which recognises and rewards students who are demonstrating the Olympic spirit through leadership and driving positive change in their communities.

Creating Community From the Engagement Office

Mary Ward Justice Lecture

On Thursday 23 May 2019, the Loreto Toorak community celebrated the Mary Ward Justice Lecture with a forum around the topic Women of Faith. We were blessed to enjoy the reflections of a panel of three wise, faith-filled women who led us in a discussion on the current challenges of faith and leadership for women in Christianity and Islam. We were left with many more questions than answers perhaps, but also with great optimism and hope for the future, where our Loreto educated young women will be called upon to make a difference in the Church and the world.

Left (L-R): Social Justice Councillors Imogen Connors and Camilla Baxter with Sr Marg Finlay ibvm, Associate Professor Robyn Horner, and Sherene Hassan OAM.

Fathers’ Dinner

Over 230 Loreto Toorak fathers and friends gathered at the MCG for the annual Parents’ Association Fathers’ Dinner, held in the Members’ Dining Room on Thursday 13 June 2019. After a welcome from Acting Principal, Angela O’Dwyer, the guests were delighted to hear from Captains of School, Eloise Rosengren and Isabella Gunn in an articulate address. An auction proceeded under the direction of David Bourke and included items such as a diamond encrusted Longines ladies’ watch, an Aston Martin drive experience, food and drink options and a golf weekend. The auction, along with the raffle and a number of silent auction items, contributed to the financial success of the event. Guest speaker, five-time winter Olympian and gold medallist Lydia Lassila, captivated the audience with her message of empowerment and success through determination which made for an enjoyable and successful evening.

Thanks to Convenor, Dougall McBurnie, and the Committee: Matthew Andrews, Dean Clarke, Scott Cornfoot, Armando Dacal, Jason May, Richard Murray, Simon Noonan, Jason Pennell and Michael Spence, and special thanks to Stephen Rosengren for an excellent job as MC.

Recognising our Donors

We acknowledge the support of our donors who have made financial gifts to the School this year. We also thank those who have elected to remain anonymous.

Patsy Abrahams Rita André Lisa Martini and Matthew Andrews Lina and Frank Andronaco Denia Ferraro and Anthony Apolloni John and Angela Arthur Family Jacqui and Glenn Bainbridge Emoke Bakacs Mary and John Barlow Nici Henningsen and Brett Barons Anne-Maree and Martin Bartlett Peter Bellairs Bronwynn and Richard Betts Kaye Bills Anni and David Breene Anna and Peter Brennan John Brummelen Jo and Chris Burke Valerie and Peter Burley Fiona and Michael Burn Elizabeth and Robbie Burns Olivia Burns Joan and Wallace Cameron Suzanne Raabe and Martin Casey Licia and Massimo Cellante Michelle and Dean Clarke Jackie and Richard Cleveland Kate and Shayne Collins Nicola and Alex Commins Bridget and Tim Coyne Pauline Creese Teena Croker Nerida and Gerard Dalbosco Geraldine and Paul Davys Niki and Theo Dimopoulos Majella and Michael Donovan Catherine and Greg Dunn Sophie Gannon and Frazer East Sally Edwards Megan and Nick Edwards Nicole and Angelo Estrera Katie and Patrick Flannigan Natalie Flegg Sarah Rey and Richard Fleming Sarah Merrigan and Andrew Foley Darryl and Mark Foley Liz Fox Kylie Barrow and Claudio Garcia Antonella and Mario Gattino Linda and Peter George Jacinta and Warren Gill Gillespie Family Foundation Olivia and Vito Giudice Tricia and Stephen Gorman Marie and Dean Grant Therese Gilligan and Philip Grant Kathryn Booth and Stuart Greaves Jackie and Michael Haintz Ellen Harper Kerri and Tim Hart Kerryn and Peter Higgins Ruth and Gerard Higgins Anne Howell and Mike Holt Tracey and Paul Howard Sandra and Chris Hutchins Simone and Lee Iafrate Imelda and Michael Ingwersen Lisa and Anthony Ives Ritta Khoury and Simon Kalipciyan Kate and Jason Kelsey Margaret and Mark Kennedy Deborah and Anthony Lennon Alison and Andrew Leyden Barbara and Paul Licuria Diana and Rod Lowe Janet Whiting and Phillip Lukies Lauren and Tom Maidment Marianne and Peter Margin Lee Matenga Trish and Dougall McBurnie Claire and Paul McCann Lucinda Gannon and Andrew McCarthy Michelle McCarty Suzan and Eddie McDaniel Gabrielle McKinnon Louise and Matt McNamara Michaela and Matthew McNee Jackie and Rodney Meaker Elena and Spiros Michael Annemaree Montgomerie Natalie and John Morello Anne Muirhead Zoe and Ben Murphy Jacquie Blackwell and Richard Murray Geraldine Nankervis Bridget Meldrum and Mark Naughton Moira Negline Lan and Phan Nguyen Oanh Nguyen and Dat Lien Cate and Bede Noonan Denise and Sean O’Callaghan Angela O’Dwyer Tammy Olschyna-Golasinski Estate of Dora O’Sullevan Estate of Natalie O’Sullevan Elizabeth and Michael Pattison Sarah and Jason Pennell Maryellen Peppard Annabelle and Richard Phillips Lisa Barker and Chris Pidcock Helen Porter Claire and Ben Quin Barbara and John Ralph Kirsty and Andrew Ralph Rebecca Henry and Mark Rawolle Judy and Richard Reid Brigitte and Walter Remmen Jo O’Rourke and Jack Ribbands Thérèse Barry and Peter Roach Fiona and Kent Roberts Michelle Rosich Zena Roslan Mary Rowan Kate and Stephen Russell Susan and Patrick Russo Silviya and John Sabljak Melinda Pasut and Seth Schwartz Michelle Scully Beverley and Glenn Sellman Gisele and Bradley Silk Gabrielle and David Sinn Rosie and Brian Smith Anthony Dickinson OAM and Susan Stevens Bec Carnovale and Nicholas Stocks Barbara Strachan Fiona and Mark Stretton Tracey and Andrew Tanner Tahli Hilton and George Tannous Vessela and Paul Margot and Alistair Thompson Ruth Trait Carlo Vaccari Merwe Laws Foundation Sophie and Scott Vickers-Willis Christine and Peter Walsh Brigid and Leighton Warwick Victoria and James Watson Damian Whelan Kellie Steele and Jeremy Winfield Glennis and Jason Winnette Anna and Jim Wright-Smith Trish and Rob Zahara

Loreto Cultural Series Showcasing the Premier Performance Facilities of Loreto Toorak

The Loreto Cultural Series is an eclectic mix of events, designed to bring high quality artists to our community and showcase our outstanding facilities. During the year we offer guided tours of Mandeville Hall Mansion, bus tours of Stonnington Mansions, high tea and concerts in the Crescent Theatre, Chapel of Christ the King and Oak Parlour. Recent concerts have represented various musical genres and have featured the outstanding artists detailed below.

Lior and Paul Grabowsky

On Sunday 2 June 2019, two leaders in the music industry performed an inspirational concert in the Crescent Theatre. Paul Grabowsky, pianist, composer, arranger, conductor and one of Australia’s most distinguished artists combined with Lior, one of Australia’s most successful singer-songwriters. Renowned for his beautiful voice and songs that radiate truth and sincerity, Lior performed with Grabowsky at the piano and also accompanied himself with guitar. The result was both moving and entertaining and was greatly appreciated by the audience of families and friends.

Melba Opera Trust

The scholars of the Melba Opera Trust returned to the Oak Parlour in Mandeville Hall for what has become an annual event. On Saturday 31 August 2019, Tessa Hayward (soprano, pictured above), Damian Arnold (tenor), Stephen Marsh (baritone) and associate artist, Adam McMillan (piano) gave an intimate performance which featured duets, solos and trios from the operatic repertoire. There were familiar favourites from Rossini and Bizet and lesser known gems from Mozart, Gounod and Massenet. The artists concluded with a touching rendition of Home Sweet Home, one of Dame Nellie’s much-loved encores.

2020 Loreto Cultural Series For information regarding the 2020 Loreto Cultural Series, please contact: Annette Rinaudo, Engagement Officer – Operations annette.rinaudo@loretotoorak.vic.edu.au +61 3 9823 8179

Fidelio Quartet

Given their name, it is not surprising that the Fidelio Quartet are Beethoven specialists. Featuring Bobby Macindoe (violin), Isin Cakmakcioglu (violin), Lisa Grosman (viola) and Rachel Atkinson (cello), the Quartet has been described as one of the most exciting forces on Melbourne’s Concert stage, offering a depth of intimacy with the performance of Beethoven. Each member of the Fidelio Quartet has an enviable reputation among the finest artists in Australia. Their performance in the Oak Parlour on Sunday 11 August 2019 proved that they are wholly deserving of this reputation. The rendition of String Quartets No. 13 and No. 6 was exciting and poignant and very much at home in the period setting.

Cantus Novesia and Sonare

Early in 2015 Cantus Novesia, a four-part vocal ensemble of experienced soloists, and the instrumental ensemble Sonare were founded under the artistic direction of Joachim Neugart, Director of Music at the cathedral in Neuss, Germany. These professional musicians specialise in sacred music of the 18th century and have toured Australia on several occasions. This year, on Monday 14 October 2019, they brought to the Chapel of Christ the King a unique performance of excerpts from Messiah by George Frideric Händel. Directed from the harpsichord by the multi-talented Joachim, the ensemble presented an intimate chamber version of this well-known work. The musicality of the performers was exceptional, and their sensitive interpretation engaged and moved the listeners in equal measure.

Past Pupils’ Association

From the President

In 2019 we have been blessed with a vibrant and dedicated Committee who have all contributed greatly to the work of the Association.

Much has been achieved, many events have been held and alumnae from across the generations have gathered to celebrate the joy and spirit of being part of the Loreto family. It has been a privilege to join many alumnae at events such as the Sapphire Dinner, Young Past Pupils’ Association Drinks and the Annual Card Day as well as at decade Reunions, and with members of our community who completed their schooling 60 years ago and more at the Diamond Luncheon. Our alumnae are engaged in so many areas of endeavour and are contributing significantly to their chosen fields and to community life beyond our school. Mary Ward would be proud. We have continued our long-term support of the work of the Loreto Sisters through donations to Mary Ward International Australia towards Loreto Vietnam. We have also worked closely with the School, meeting with Dr Susan Stevens, members of the Leadership Team and Year 12 students who are about to join our Association. We are committed to assisting our alumnae to maintain strong networks of friendship and links to the Loreto community. Sincere thanks to Dr Susan Stevens, the Leadership Team, and the school community who support and value the work of the Association and to Judy Reid and the staff in the Engagement Office for their generous support. Particular thanks to Danielle Lord, Engagement Officer - Alumnae, who works with enthusiasm and energy to support us, our events and activities. I thank those who have participated in the ongoing development of our Strategic Plan, articulating our purpose and vision for future engagement. This will continue to be a focus next year. I conclude by thanking our Past Pupils’ Association Committee, all of whom have worked generously to further the aims of our Association and to enable our alumnae to remain connected and supported.

Above: Past Pupils’ Association Committee. Back (L-R): Danielle Lord (Field, 1985), Jane Nathan (Willis, 1967), Lauren Grant (2018), Emily Rodrigo (2014), Emily Russell, President (2007), Rosannah Healy (2001), Annabel Cornfoot (Collie, 1993), Madeleine Tehan (2013). Front (L-R): Megan Dwyer (1985), Sr Anne Byrne ibvm, (1951), Louise McNamara (Whelan, 1982), Liz Parker (1972).

EMILY RUSSELL PRESIDENT, PAST PUPILS’ ASSOCIATION

Pearl Assembly

Following the success of last year’s Pearl Assembly, we again invited our Loreto Toorak alumnae aged 90 years or over, to celebrate their birthdays together with Rathfarnham students and staff. The special occasion was marked with an enlightening Q&A session, accompanied by historic photos, being the foundation of the gathering. A special morning tea was enjoyed by all. Our grateful thanks to the precious Pearls who attended and contributed so richly to the success of the day; Mrs Helen Marron (Healy, 1942), Mrs Jill Martin (Barclay, 1946) accompanied by her daughters Anna (1973) and Sandie (1987), Mrs Pamela Nicholls (Corben, 1941) and Mrs Margaret Wrigley, (O’Grady, 1946). Our oldest living alumnae at age 101, Mrs Mollie Anstee (Carter, 1936), although extremely well, was an apology given she resides with her family in Sydney.

Back (L-R): Annette Rinaudo, Sarah Perrett (Winship, 1976), Danielle Lord (Field, 1985), Sandie Jacoby (Martin,1987), Anna Martin-Poppins (Martin,1973), Louise McNamara (Whelan, 1982). Front (L-R): Pearl Assembly attendees, Mrs Pamela Nicholls (Corben, 1941), Mrs Helen Marron (Healy, 1942), Mrs Jill Martin (Barclay, 1946) and Mrs Margaret Wrigley, (O’Grady, 1946).