Worldwide Chapters

Loreto Toorak Alumnae International

Our Loreto Toorak Alumnae are truly global citizens, now more than ever. The strength of their connection to us on Campus and to one another was evidenced at a ZOOM link up hosted by our London Chapter Head, Vanessa Groom (PY 2005), earlier in the year and in this beautiful reflection by Loretta Bourke (PY 1995) below, as she was departing London after living and working there for more than 10 years.

Connection, virtual or otherwise is a key pillar of our LTAI program and critical at this time of a global pandemic. We encourage all our Alumnae living and working internationally to reach out, we are Loreto for Life.

A Reflection

Lottie Bourke, Class of 1995

Sitting in an entirely different Heathrow from the one I was in last Christmas, en route to the annual Bourke family conclave, London provides me with yet another gift, albeit a parting one - pause.

I arrived in London 10 years ago, on-my-marks, one and a half suitcases in hand ready to dive-in!

It’s been a decade of blood, sweat and occasional tears. Times of missing home and missing out on things at home, of navigating unfathomable new bureaucracies (I still think it’s weird to register with a GP), experiencing new cultures - especially the unspoken kind, learning to love queues, new jobs, next jobs, ultimate jobs and having every ounce of my mettle tested.

What a gift.

A decade of expat life has taught me oodles. Friends are truly the family you choose, home is where the heart is and that may be in more than one place and (for me) most importantly the world provides endless opportunities for growth. I’ve learned so much these past 10 years, about other countries, cultures, people and absolutely about myself.

When I reflect upon this past decade and leaving London, my heart is heavy and tears burn my eyes. I am leaving home to go home. Ever so grateful for the opportunities London has afforded me. For all my triumphs and successes, discoveries and adventures, new friends and old joining along for the ride, for those moments when I felt I conquered the world and in truth - for the many mistakes I’ve made - thank you.

I hope I leave London a better human than I arrived. I know I leave enriched beyond measure.