From our Principal - Dr Susan Stevens

The decade commencing with 2020 will be long remembered by each of us.

Here, in 2021, well planned to be declared the national Loreto Year of Felicity, we find ourselves looking towards the future, a future we are embracing with both flexibility and resilience.

With a prevailing climate of uncertainty at Global, National and State levels, the qualities of resilience, flexibility and positivity have been called upon in large measure in our responses to our work and in our lives. Our school community, and most particularly our wonderful students, in dealing with change and the unknown, and in encountering many disappointments along the way, have demonstrated their own quality. With prevailing dispositions of optimism, acceptance and a measure of courage, they have navigated the pandemic years well thus far. The character of Mary Ward has remained a constant guide for us all, as we recall her own perseverance in the face of challenge, both from being a woman, and with navigating the complexities of religious life at the time. The virtue of Felicity, so prized by Mary Ward and the Loreto sisters, is permeating our mindsets this year – we are grateful for all we have, all we have learned over the past few years, all that we have the courage to face as this time continues. We work with both self-assurance and optimism together, as a community.

We have much to celebrate in this edition of The Mandevillian. The joy of returning to face-to-face teaching and learning is evident, as is the excitement and enthusiasm shining through all reports and photographs of our students participating in programs – the fullness of school life.

The outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2020, already well acknowledged, deserve special mention for the exceptional effort that was required of students, staff and their parents throughout last year. Loreto Toorak is well placed in the pursuit of our aim to be a leading School in Australia.

It was with great joy that reunions of our Alumnae continued to be held once again this year. The International and National branches of Loreto Toorak Alumnae International (LTAI) have met on line, and most Chapter Heads have been confirmed. The establishment of Alumnae Chapters in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide is an exciting development that will continue to strengthen our network ongoing. Loreto Toorak is committed to providing a strong and relevant network to our Alumnae who live and work all over the world, offering a continued connection to our School, and importantly to the mission and vision of our Foundress Mary Ward. I thank and recognise the many Loreto sisters who have supported our national and international reunions with their presence and lectures.

On behalf of the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I thank outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors Gerard Dalbosco for his many years of dedicated service to the governance of our fine school. Gerard is recognised within these pages; we are indebted to the many Board Directors, and Committee members who work so hard and so generously for the good of our school. We are well governed and supported in so many ways. We welcome the new Chair of the Board, Louis Chiam.

DR SUSAN STEVENS, PRINCIPAL