Creating Community

From the Engagement Office

School Cocktail Party

The evening of Friday 14 February brought a deluge of biblical proportions to Toorak. However, this did not deter the 1000 plus Loreto Toorak parents who braved the inclement weather to attend the 2020 opening Cocktail Party. Winifred Square, the Crescent Theatre and the Gallery of the Mandeville Centre were packed to overflowing by the throng. Although somewhat constrained in space by the rain, there was a general air of positivity and celebration in the crowd as parents connected and networked, some for the very first time, some at the end of their Loreto Toorak school journey. There were many compliments to our Sodexo staff for the excellent canapés produced in generous quantities from our brand new Café Mandeville kitchen. Parents were treated to a video preview of the new St George’s development, including a virtual walk-through delivered by the magic of technology.

Lunar New Year Celebrations

School families from a variety of cultural backgrounds gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Rat on the evening of Friday 21 February. Guests gathered for dumplings and bao buns under Winifred Square. Lion dancers abruptly hurtled out of the Mandeville Centre; the delight in this noisy, colourful performance was evident of the faces of adults and children alike, even if some had their fingers in their ears against the clanging cymbals and beating drums!

Dinner was served in the Crescent Theatre which was transformed into a wonderland of lanterns, parasols and decorations in red and gold. Grace was said in Chinese, Vietnamese and English. We were particularly honoured to have Sr Trish Franklin ibvm AO, recite Grace in Vietnamese. A presentation was made to Sr Trish who celebrated her Golden Jubilee of Profession. The food was excellent with a variety of Asian dishes, including ginger barramundi and the ever-popular beef with blackbean. Custard tarts and fortune cookies completed the menu.

Oration Series: International Women’s Day

A large group of parents, students and staff, undaunted by the early start, packed the Lecture Theatre for the annual International Women’s Day Oration on the morning of Friday 6 March. Fortified by coffee and a delicious breakfast-in-a-box, the audience was inspired and entertained in equal measure by the presentation given by alumna Mary Muirhead OAM BVSc. Mary addressed the International Women’s Day theme #EachForEqual by describing her work with the Learning for Life Autism Centre, a not-for-profit organisation she set up to help children with autism achieve their full potential. She touched her listeners with her belief in enabling every child to thrive in their uniqueness and diversity.

Parents’ Association Tennis Day

Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club played host to 90 Loreto Toorak tennis enthusiasts on Thursday 27 February. Cardio Tennis was particularly popular with the attendees, although there was still plenty of traditional tennis played. Lunch was welcome after the morning’s exertions and it was wonderful to have non-tennis players join the group for the meal. Our grateful thanks to the organising committee of Angela Catalfamo, Nardine Bamford and Jo Evans. We particularly acknowledge Angela, who after seven years as Convenor of this function, is this year resigning from the position, as her daughter Natalie is now in Year 12.

Ensemble Cocktail Party

No musical instruments were required for a new initiative in 2020, the Ensemble Cocktail Party, which reunited the past parents of Loreto Toorak music students for refreshments in Mandeville Hall Mansion on the evening of Thursday 27 February. Downtime Jazz Trio created a relaxed, convivial atmosphere in the foyer as drinks and canapés were served. Formalities were few, but guests were welcomed by Principal, Dr Susan Stevens and addressed by David George, Director of Music. The enthusiastic group resolved to grow the event and make it a permanent fixture on the Loreto Toorak calendar.

Royal Club Cocktail Party

Past parents of Loreto Toorak rowers gathered for the annual Royal Club Cocktail Evening on Monday 2 March. They were joined by the members of the 2020 Blazer Squad and their parents, along with staff. The event, now in it’s third year, took place in the Gallery of the Mandeville Centre. Guests circulated around the gleaming new boat which took pride of place, running almost the entire length of the Gallery. A jazz trio set the mood and, as has come to be expected at such events, refreshments were excellent and plentiful. Head of Rowing, Sam Dutney introduced our First Eight and additional Year 12 Blazer Squad members and the Coach of the First Eight, Mitchell Nelson. Captains of Boats, Katerina Bitzios and Anneka Davys then addressed the gathering. The event was rounded out with a toast to the departing Head of the Schoolgirls crew, offered by past President, Stephen Rosengren: “One Team One Dream, Row Well and Row Hard!” Guests left with the 2020 Rowing Record booklet and Royal Club cap.

Federation Postponed Until 2021

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the Loreto Federation Organising Committee wishes to inform our community of the decision to postpone Loreto Federation, originally scheduled for October this year at Loreto Marryatville, until 2021. The Committee will continue to monitor official public health advice and will provide updates regarding the new details of the event as they occur. We thank the Loreto community for their understanding in these trying and difficult times.

If you have any queries, please contact: Simone Anderson: Federation Organising Committee President loretofederation2020@gmail.com