Generations of Mary Ward Women

from Mandevillian, 2021, Vol36, No1

Where are they now - Sophie Reis

Anna Johnson (Sinn)

Class of 1985, Loreto Toorak Staff 2011-present

After school, Anna studied teaching because of her positive experience at school and her memories of wonderful teachers. Her aunt and godmother, Felicity Jackman (Sinn, Class of 1963), a kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, was also a huge inspiration to teach.

After graduating, Anna taught in Catholic Parish schools in the northern suburbs of Coburg and Fawkner. She loved teaching non-English speaking children from refugee and new arrival families from Lebanon. When her own daughter, Maryrose, walked through the Mandeville Crescent Gates in 2008, Anna felt a warm familiarity of returning home. She was overjoyed in 2011 when the opportunity for another Loreto connection became available, as a Rathfarnham teacher.

Anna enjoys a strong Loreto connection; her paternal grandmother, Wilma Sinn, was a founding pupil at Loreto Toorak. Anna’s father Andrew, and his eight siblings all attended and sometimes boarded at Loreto Toorak. Anna enjoyed attending school with many of her cousins and now she loves seeing fourth generation family members on St. Michael’s Green, along with her Maryrose. A tradition sure to continue.

Anna is passionate about education for girls and believes it is the key to making a real difference in the quality of life for vulnerable women and children in our own community and around the world. “Graduates of Loreto Toorak,’’ Anna says, “continue to be a voice and stand up for others in greatest need.” Anna hopes to see young women flourish and be truly independent with equal opportunity.

Anna is a proud member of the Loreto Toorak Silk Society, joining when she decided to include Loreto Toorak in her Will. The establishment of the Give a Girl a Dream Bursary fund was the pivotal point for Anna who applauded her school’s commitment to opening wide our gates and considering all possibilities. This bursary fund not only allows for young girls who otherwise would not have access to a Loreto Toorak education but also takes current bursary allocation out of the operational budget, easing pressure and allowing the Board to keep our fees comparatively lower.

Anna encourages anyone who is similarly passionate about the education of strong, young women to join her in becoming a part of the Silk Society. “Loreto Toorak”, she says, “is an incredible school that welcomes all students and nurtures their full potential. Most importantly, the students take care of each other and show real empathy for all that cross their path.”