Captains’ Table

Past Pupils’ Association Card Day

Our annual Card Day was extremely well attended this year, with seven tables playing and a commitment to many more joining us next year. It was wonderful to welcome younger alumnae to the event, contributing to the enjoyment of the day with so many generations of Loreto Toorak ladies attending. The revised October date was well received and the Mandeville Centre Gallery was a delightful venue in which to host our guests with the sun shining through for most of the day. A triumph, with planning for 2020 already underway.

Captains’ Table

This year’s Captains’ Table celebration was a joyous affair with Dr Susan Stevens inviting all living past Captains of School, from 1924 to present day, to join her at the event. We gathered for a cocktail party in the Mandeville Centre Gallery, which was the perfect forum for a wonderfully unifying, collaborative, and uniquely Loreto gathering, greatly enjoyed by all who attended. A presentation from our 2019 Captains of School, Isabella Gunn and Eloise Rosengren, was a highlight and encapsulated all that we as a Loreto school represent, concluding a memorable evening.

(L-R): Meg Taranto (2018), India Marks (2016), Amelia Grossi (2017), Elizabeth Papapetrou (2015), Lauren Girardi (2017), Emily Rodrigo (2014), Madeleine Doyle (2014)

Past Pupils’ Association Golf Day

Our Past Pupils’ Association Golf Day will next year be held on Monday 11 May 2020 at the Sorrento Golf Course. We acknowledge and thank Mrs Jo Lonergan (Connaughton, 1968) who has held the role of Convenor of this event for a number of years, and has once again kindly volunteered to organise this event on our behalf. Special mention to Mrs Cathy Ockleshaw (Johnston, 1966, pictured right), Jo’s predecessor, who recently won the Women’s Interschool Golf Challenge Representatives Trophy. We are extremely proud, this being the first time a Loreto Toorak alumna has won this Representatives event. Congratulations Cathy.

Loreto Ball

The premier event in the Loreto Toorak calendar, the annual Loreto Ball was held on Saturday 17 August 2019 at Metropolis on Southbank. 235 guests were greeted by stunning city and river views and by ‘Uncle Sam’ on stilts and a golden Statue of Liberty.

With a New York vibe in the air, and guests dressed in sequins and glitter, the entertainment followed the theme with Tod Strike channelling ‘old blue eyes’ himself, accompanied by dancers in a dazzling rendition of New York, New York. The MC, popular television presenter Bridget McIntyre, kept the evening running and Auctioneer and current parent, John Morello, lent his talents to the Live Auction. Published by the New York Times and Harper’s BAZAAR, Melbourne artist Natalie Rompotis captured the spirit of the

evening in a bespoke painting which was auctioned on the night. Guests also had the opportunity to have their portraits painted by Emma Leonard, a multi-disciplinary Australian artist and illustrator specialising in fashion and beauty. Well known for his radio work and playing at some of Melbourne’s hottest venues, iconic radio personality and DJ, Stick Mareebo had the guests dancing the night away. Through auctions, raffles, donations, sponsorship and support from our major partners, Sodexo and The Bentley Group, the Ball raised meaningful funds. The Loreto Toorak community’s strong financial support allowed us to grow our Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund, and importantly, also allowed our School to grow and develop in ways beneficial to all our students and families. Special thanks to Convenor, Tahli Hilton, and her team: Jackie Biddick, Jacquie Blackwell, Kym Bonollo, Gina Cidoni, Kate Collins, Tania Collins, Katie Flannigan, Maria Losonski, Zoe Murphy, Lydia Pak Poy, Athena Prokopis and Dimi Sideris for organising a fabulous night.

Reunions

Loreto Toorak hosts international Reunions with enormous success. Attendance is strong and alumnae across generations mix with great enthusiasm, enjoying the opportunities and connections created.

This year we have officially created our Alumnae, International Chapters. The first Loreto Toorak Alumnae Chapters will be set up in London, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong, where Alumnae Reunions have been occurring for well over a decade now, and where we have a critical mass of Loreto Toorak women working and living. This exciting global outreach bespeaks much of the development of our fine school, and is yet another example of the loyalty we enjoy from our alumnae all over the world.

New York Reunion

01 (Attendees A-Z): Katrina Cavanough (2006), Georgie Cichy (2008), Lisa Donohoe (2003), Rebecca Finney (2003), Sandra Golanty, Kat Logan (2003), Alice Marks (2013), Kate McNamara (2013), Steph Mermigas (2006), Tammy OlschynaGolasinski (Olschyna), Catherine Randles (2007), Michele Rosich (McDonald, 1964), Dr Susan Stevens, Robert Visentini (current parent), Claire Weller (2007), Robyn Woodley. 02 (L-R): Anne-Louise Kiratzis (Farquhar, 2005), Stephanie Mermigas (2006), Katrina Cavanough (2006), Katie McNamara (2013), Alice Marks (2013). 03 (L-R): Lisa Donohoe (2003), Kat Logan (2003), Claire Weller (2007), Catherine Randles (2007), Georgie Cichy (2008), Rebecca Finney (2003).

03

Brisbane Reunion

Attendees: Dr Susan Stevens, Kate O’Brien (Collie, 1991), Deana Dodds (1985), Catriona Lightfoot (1988), Carolyn Congreve (Byrnes, 1976), Kate Larsson (Moss, 1976), Caroline Collie (Walker,1965), Brigitte Johnson (1988).

07

08

09

London/UK Reunion

05 (Attendees A-Z): Carmina Athaide (2006), Helen Beatty (2001), Loretta Bourke (1995), Rachel Bui (2006), Mary Cameron (1972), Jackie Cleveland (1988), Siobhan Cooke (2011), Stephanie Davis (2003), Elizabeth Duke (Loreto Marryatville), Hannah Fitzgerald (2006), Bridgette Gorman (2010), Vanessa Groom (2005), Alice Halpin (2007), Tess Hilton (2011), Samantha Holt (2018), Georgia Hunter (2010), Paige Ions (Hanrahan, 1993), Jacque Koutoumas (2001), Philippa Leslie (1962), Louise McNamara (Whelan, 1982), Annabelle McNamara (2011), Katie McNamara (2013), Emma McNamara (2018), Lily Moffatt (Richards, 2003), Nano Nagle (1968), Alexandra O’Connor (2010), Moya O’Shea (1976), Joanna Pidcock (2011), Elizabeth Poppins (2009), Victoria Poppins (2013), Sarah Sheales (1991), Victoria Sheldon (2010), Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ, Dr Susan Stevens, Freya Timmer-Arends (2009), Francesca Torcasio Barberis (2014), Genevieve Venosta (2009). 06 Genevieve Venosta (2009), Elizabeth Poppins (2009), Freya Timmer-Arends (2009). 07 Jacqueline Cleveland (Bosci, 1988); Paige Ions (Hanrahan, 1993). 08 Victoria Sheldon (2010), Georgia Hunter (2010), Alexandra O’Connor (2010), Bridgette Gorman (2010). 09 Tess Hilton (2011), Siobhan Cooke (2011), Philippa Leslie (Simpson, 1962).

Singapore Reunion

Back (L-R): Nicholas Riordan, Lucinda Riordan, Jacqueline Diamond (2000), Madeleine Seletto, Fran Bedford (1989), Nicole Reidy, Danielle Lord (Field, 1985), Paul Hanlon. Front (L-R): Eliza Bulfin (Curtain, 1999), Fiorelle Amore (2000), Brigid Trenerry (Anderson, 1997), Dr Susan Stevens, Cara Stevens.

Hong Kong Reunion

(L-R): Samara Madden (2002), Dr Susan Stevens, Karen Lee (1999), Kesiah Lock (Madden, 2004), Sara Brookes (Lynch, 1997), Kamy Lee (1999). Also in attendance were Michele Rosich (McDonald, 1964), Anthony Correa (future parent) and Corey Pearce (husband of Kamy Lee).

Reunions

Class of 2018 1 Year Reunion

Class of 2018 (Attendees A-Z): Maddy Allen, Mia Ansett, Jenalle Anthonypillai, Amanda Asham, Sanaa Ashktorab, Isabella Atkinson, Emma Badge, Sophia Baldi, Lisa Bertoncello, Georgia Birchall, Grace Bonthorne, Georgia Bradica, Elizabeth Brennan, Georgia Brennan, Lily Broome, Lucy Caffry, Claudia Campi, Gabriela Carrasco, Gemma Costa, Vanessa Crivelli, Sophie Cullinan, Georgia Curtis, Olivia Da Silva, Eliza Doble, Charlotte Elsworth, Emily Francis, Charlotte Giuffrida, Sarah Gleeson, Mikaela Griffiths, Grace Heavey-Murphy, Samantha Holt, Steph Hughes, Portia Hunt, Nina Iafrate, Caitie Jackson, Alex Jago, Emily Johnston, Natasha Kendall, Chelsea Koller, Sophia Lenihan, Zabrina Leung, Lily Li, Bridget Linge, Maria Losonski, Celia Mance, Portia Montebello, Madison Montebello, Hannah Montgomerie, Isabella Mosbey, Moira Negline, Ava Padovan, Allegra Pepi, Rebeeca Pozzi, Athena Prokopis, Rachel Quin, Molly Quinlan, Sophie Reis, Bella Ritoli, Hannah Roberts, Meaghan Roff, Madeleine Sacchetta, Olive Sferrazza, Bridgette Sharman, Sylvie Sherborne, Mia Siapantas, Annika Skoglund, Ella Trainor, Catherine Truong, Tilly Vickers-Willis, Mia Visentini, Amelia Warwick, Anna Wertheim, Eliza Wilson, Fiona Zhu.

Class of 2014 – 5 Year Reunion

01 Class of 2014 (Attendees A-Z): Alexandrea Arnel, Zoe August, Laura Barbalaco, Nicki Barnett, Lauren Bastone, Isabella Bennetts-Roberts, Emilia Bertolini, Courtney Betts, Allie Boland, Imogen Bower, Barbara Brady, Genevieve Brennan, Francesca Broome, Madeleine Brown, Aimee Burn, Natalie Cain, Millie Catania, Maddi Cavallaro, Monique Celestre, Vivian Cheng, Sophie Clausen, Rosalie Colantuono, Chiara Colantuono, Georgi Conlan, Louise Connell, Isabella Cullinan, Grace Cullity, Olivia Dalbosco, Tess Doherty, Madeleine Doyle, Aimee Dummett, Susannah Falconer, Thea FitzGerald, Harriet Gaffey, Faith Gasparini, Catherine Glynn, Emma Haberfield, Emily Hand, Mia Harrison, Emily Heng, Cienna Irwin, Jessica Kennedy, Eliza Lennon, Michelle Ma, Clare Magee, Kitty Manson, Jacqueline Mattner, Samantha McMaster, Rebecca Moore, Bianca Mulqeeny, Sophie O’Sullivan, Maddy Pattison, Jacqui Prestedge, Mimma Roach, Emily Rodrigo, Olivia Russo, Isabella Scalia, Sinead Scott, Olivia Sfetkidis, Lara Shearer, Felicity Sleeman, Ashley Spinks, Jessica Tran, Emily Tuddenham, Isabel Vaughan, Cassandra Votzourakis, Sharon Wang, Clare Ward, Sophie Wells. 02 Prep 2002 (L-R): Olivia Sfetkidis, Aimee Burn, Vivian Cheng, Kitty Manson, Francesca Broome, Mimma Roach, Barbara Brady, Rebecca Moore.

04

Class of 2009 – 10 Year Reunion

03 Prep, 1997 (L-R): Alexandra Fitzgerald, Stephanie John, Alice Callaghan, Siana Madden 04 Class of 2009 (Attendees A-Z): Marianne Blazevic, Alice Callaghan, Tess Chappell, Shannon Contin, Judith de La Harpe, Alexandra Fitzgerald, Rebecca Fleming, Carly Gilbert, Alice Godfree, Stephanie Gorman, Johanna Gregor, Amelia Harrison, Clare Harrison, Georgia Hill, Stephanie John, Charlotte Keel, Irini Kefalianos, Briana Kellett, Madeleine Kirkham, Tessa Kuiper, Ewa Lobaza, Siana Madden, Isabelle McCombe, Kate McIntosh, Theresa Nguyen, Jacqueline OConnell, Liz Olney, Annabelle Orr, Kendall Rider, Erin Ryan, Natasha Simonds, Jacinta Smith, Megan Swinstead, Chervil Tan, Maryrose Tiernan, Sarah Vanderkley, Jinghan Xia.

06

06 Prep, 1987 (L-R): Alison Baxter (Pettigrew), Philippa Griffiths (Zahara), Kristen Migliorini (Doyle), Jacqui Vidal, Olivia Curtain.

Class of 1999 – 20 Year Reunion

05 Class of 1999 (Attendees A-Z): Simone Bailey, Alison Baxter (Pettigrew), Jenni Bolton (Bolton), Beata Bowes (Lukasiak), Laura Bradmore (Haslehurst), Erin Buntine, Olivia Burns, Megan Carter (Walters), Eliza Curtain, Olivia Curtain, Krista Dale, Lauren Demetriou, Stephanie Doyle, Natalie Flegg, Liz Fox, Anna Gallard, Lina Garvey (Liu), Sineaid Greiner (Hammer), Ellen Harper (Fox), Prue Hartley, Meg Hayes (Wielgosz), Olivia Healy (Garvey), Caroline Lane (Conlan), Kate Lee (Gardiner), Jannie Lui, Stephanie Maiyah (Ng), Kate Marsich (Eichhorn), Jo McColl (Halpin), Kathleen McDonald, Rebecca McDonnell, Elanor McInerney, Kristen Migliorini (Doyle), Jannah Milosevski (Taborsky), Rebeka Morgan (Jageurs), Geraldine Nankervis, Bridget Nicholls (Bourke), Eloise O’Brien (Porter), Angela O’Connell, Antonia Olthof, Jasmine Ong, Louise Orlando (Lonergan), Liz Poulus (Harvey), Bridget Rosenbrock (Hill), Lauren Salvage (Trumble), Hannah Sharrock, Emily Sheahan, Bronwyn Singh (Gatehouse), Hannah Stewart (Whiting), Beth Stewart, Prudence Tehan, Amy Tinetti, Jennifer Turnbull, Jacqui Vidal, Sarah White, Philippa Zahara.

Reunions

Class of 1979 40 Year Reunion

01 Prep 1967 (L-R) Back: Therese Cambareri (Wilden), Judith Reid, Karen Treloar, Caroline Chesterfield (Hart). Middle: Christine Vella, Ann Lauder (Taylor), Mary-Ellen Peppard, Mary Whelan. Front: Anna Lethbridge, Jo Chappell (Grogan), Mary Bartley, Leanne Murphy (Miller).

02

02 Class of 1979 (A-Z): Jocelyn Astley (O’Shea), Mary Bartley, Belinda Browne (Cameron), Therese Cambareri (Wilden), Jo Chappell (Grogan), Caroline Chesterfield (Hart), Clare Cross (Longmire), Catherine Dunn (Quin), Linda Goltz, Pauline Holloway (Wallis), Jennifer Hunt, Helen Kocis Edwards (Edwards), Anna Lethbridge, Claire MacFie (Brennan), Mary Marasco (Ley), Gabrielle McKinnon, Leonie McLinden (Browne), Leanne Murphy (Miller), Sue Olney (Hanrahan), Maryellen Peppard, Cath Proud (MacKinnon), Judith Reid, Cathy Roy (Sheehan), Ann Taylor, Karen Treloar, Susanmary Trescowthick, Christine Vella, Mary Whelan.

The Silk Society Named in honour of the silk damask in the Reception Room of Mandeville Hall, the Silk Society recognises the generosity and foresight of the growing number of alumnae and friends who have pledged to support Loreto Toorak by way of planned giving or bequests.

Bequests are allocated to our Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund and therefore vital to maintain accessibility and diversity in our School. Bursaries of any level remove obstacles and open wide the gates to a transformative education. Loreto Toorak girls leave our own Clendon Road gates with the determination to create change, assist marginalised communities and give forward. Women in Time. Should you wish to have a confidential discussion regarding our Bequest program, please contact: Louise McNamara (Whelan, 1982) Engagement Officer – Bequests & Endowments louise.mcnamara@loretotoorak.vic.edu.au +61 3 9823 8149

Women in Time Generations of Mary Ward Women

In 1956, Jane Laidley Willis climbed the steps of Mandeville Hall as a new boarder at the age of five. She was met by Mother Assumpta (Ruth Winship) who had been at school with Jane’s mother in the 1930s. Jane remembers feeling proud knowing she was a fourth generation Loreto girl.

In 1875 Daniel Brophy, Jane’s ancestor, was Mayor of the City of Ballarat. Daniel, from County Clare in Ireland, arrived in 1848. Daniel worked closely with the Catholic community to bring Loreto nuns from Rathfarnham to Ballarat to help educate their girls. He married Ellen Mary Berkery in 1859 and together they had 10 children; William Purcell, Maria Catherine, Margaret Ellen, Bartholomew Patrick, Daniel Patrick, Ellen Maria, James Henry, Thomas Edward, Ellen Agnes and Kathleen Anastasia. First Generation Four of Daniel and Ellen’s surviving daughters attended Loreto at Dawson Street and Loreto Mary’s Mount; Maria, Margaret, Kathleen, and Ellen Agnes. Eventually, Ellen Agnes joined the IBVM and became known as Mother Peter. Margaret married Michael Joseph Mongovan. Second Generation Margaret and Michael Mongovan had four daughters; Eileen, Mary (Molly), Kathleen (Kattie) and Margaret (Madge/Babe), who all attended Loreto Dawson Street. The eldest, Eileen, married Thomas Joseph Daly, becoming Eileen Daly.

Third Generation Eileen and Tom had a son, Thomas Joseph, and a daughter, Margaret Eileen, who attended Loreto Toorak. She married James Laidley Willis, becoming Margaret Willis (Daly, 1938). Fourth Generation Margaret and James had four sons and one daughter, Jane Laidley Willis, who attended Loreto Toorak as a boarder. She married Anthony Nathan, becoming Jane Laidley Nathan (Willis, 1967). Fifth Generation Jane and Anthony had two daughters, Laidley Nathan (1991) and Sarah-Jane (Sassie) Nathan (2004) who both attended Loreto Toorak. Jane and Anthony also had three sons, one of whom, Thomas Joseph Nathan, married Philippa Boland and together they had two daughters, Lizzie and Emily. Laidley married Blair Coventry (Nathan, 1991) and they had three daughters; Lucy, Winifred (Winnie) and Georgie. Sassie married Tim Lovell and they had a daughter, Charlotte, with another due in January, 2020. Sixth Generation Lizzie and Emily Nathan, alongside their cousins, Lucy, Winnie and Georgie Coventry, are enrolled to commence their education at Loreto Toorak in the coming years. The Loreto family tradition continues...

Above: Jane Nathan (Willis, 1967), Laidley, Sarah-Jane (Sassie),Thomas, Anthony, Nicholas, Edley. Left: Circa 1930s. Back (L-R): Maidie Purves (O’Brien, 1937), Margaret Willis (Daly 1938), Joan Waters (Trinca, 1937), Yvonne McCardel (Wearne, 1938), Unknown. Front (L-R): Margaret Haslett (1938), Phyllis O’Rorke (Wearne, 1937), Unknown.

Where Are They Now?

IMOGEN PURCELL

CLASS OF 2016

Imogen is appreciative of her teachers at Loreto Toorak who gave up their time to work with her; she remembers Mrs Wilson, Ms Eggleston, Ms Bennett and Mrs Bence who always did everything they could to help her achieve her goals. Being involved in the co-curricular life of the School, Imogen benefitted from being a part of a sporting team and getting involved outside of the classroom. Loreto Toorak challenged her in a number of ways. Although at the time, she notes, the experience seemed difficult, it helped her learn to never give up on her goals, and to ask for support when she needed it. Deciding to take a gap year following school and travelling to Africa for three months, lmogen loved her time there and learnt a lot. After returning from overseas, Imogen started rowing and was honoured to receive a scholarship to UCLA, where she represented Australia in the U23s team. Since then, Imogen is continuing her studies at Cal Berkeley, studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in metabolism and nutrition, and rowing in their varsity program. In the future, she hopes to continue to represent her country and train with world class athletes. Imogen believes that her most significant achievement to date is representing her country and achieving a bronze medal at the World Championships in the 4+. Off the water, a highlight was travelling to Africa, visiting Kenya and Uganda. As a woman, travelling by herself enabled her to become deeply immersed in their culture, and helped her to understand their way of life, appreciate her upbringing and the power of education. Imogen believes this has helped her to make the most of every opportunity she has. In her spare time, Imogen loves to head down to the beach, go for runs, see her friends and family, and appreciate this beautiful world we have. Imogen attests that her Loreto education has given her the tools she needed to excel in her current pursuits, developing the traits she needed to focus and achieve. The opportunities she was granted a Loreto Toorak are enabling her to pursue her dreams, of which she is very grateful.

EMMA WRIGHT-SMITH CLASS OF 2016

Emma’s brief post-school life has been exciting, empowering and very fulfilling. Graduating in 2016, she is approaching completion of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Psychology. Last year, she bought Peas in a Pod Agency, a babysitting and nannying agency. Since becoming a young entrepreneur, she has had the pleasure of connecting families with sitters. An exciting initiative that the Agency has recently developed is the service of matching Loreto Toorak families with Loreto Toorak alumnae babysitters and nannies. For every connection made, there is the option to donate to the Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund and for every act of generosity, the business will donate an additional 50% of the donation received. She has always been a strong believer that with great privilege comes great responsibility and the Give a Girl a Dream Bursary Fund is something about which she is passionate. Emma’s greatest achievement in her short career is seeing how much joy and difference she can make in people’s lives by connecting them to someone who cares and adores for their children and then becomes a part of their family. Emma will finish her Bachelor degree next year, hoping to complete a semester abroad shortly after. She would like to undertake an MBA in the future and continue to grow the business. In the near future, she has exciting ideas about some new services at Peas in a Pod and perhaps might expand in another field and start a new business. She would really love to expand Peas in a Pod into the field of disability support. When she is not working and studying, Emma loves reading and listening to podcasts, especially the inspirational entrepreneurial episodes that get her brain ticking about future ideas. Emma feels very privileged to have had a Loreto education. She has a highly valued team of over 100 strong independent women who are the backbone of Peas in a Pod. A Loreto education has taught her resilience and how to bring felicity to others and she is extremely proud of what she has achieved.