From our Chair

AS ONE YEAR ENDS AND ANOTHER BEGINS, WE ARE PROVIDED A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK BACK AND EVALUATE THE PROGRESS WE’VE MADE.

Accordingly, in preparation for writing this article, I revisited my 2020 Chair’s Report. My first thought was that in reality little had changed; the impacts of COVID-19 certainly continued to be felt in 2021. However, upon further reflection I realised I was wrong. The resilience that students, staff and wider school community have shown this year has been inspirational. There is much to be celebrated in terms of what we have achieved and endured, and how we have grown as a result.

After an extended period involving significant consultation with all stakeholders, our Master Plan received conditional State Significant Development Approval. This is a key milestone in the building of the new Boarding School. The School will need to raise funds to commence the build, but more on that in 2022.

We have continued to expand the Primary School, which will have three streams in Years 5 and 6 commencing in 2022. This is an indication of the demand for the quality education, in the Mary Ward and Ignatian traditions, for which Loreto Normanhurst is known.

I have always been impressed with the way Normanhurst has celebrated the achievements and successes of our students in whatever forum they are involved. This continued throughout the year albeit in some alternate, innovative styles.

I was privileged, for instance, to be an audience participant in an uplifting virtual Seeking Truth seminar with recent ex-students discussing their experiences since leaving school. They were a credit to themselves, their families and the School. These women showed a level of maturity and formation beyond their years. All commented on how their time at ‘Normo’ had prepared them for life after school. This was just one example of many throughout the year that demonstrated how effective the FACE Curriculum is and how proficient the School is in implementing it.

COVID-19 may have disrupted many of the milestones enjoyed by students, such as the Far North Queensland Experience, the fullness of the Year 12 graduation and the opportunity to represent the School in various extra-curricular events. Nevertheless, it has been the simple coming together as a community that has given us all strength.

For some time now, the School Board has been focused on the mental health and wellbeing of this school community. It is an area that needs more open discussion as the impacts can be devastating. We have allocated more resources due to our concerns and will continue to ensure the School is well-resourced to support its community.

I would like to thank the School Board, Board sub-committees, the Leadership team and all staff for their commitment over the year. This year we have achieved a great deal and further prepared the School for the next stage of its development.

On behalf of the School Board, I would also like to thank our Principal, Ms Marina Ugonotti, for her dedication, professionalism and, above all, her leadership; we are a better school community for it.

I sincerely hope that 2022 will be a more ‘normal’ year for Loreto Normanhurst. Equipped with pride in all we have accomplished and gained in 2021, may we approach the changes, challenges and successes to come with resilience and gratitude! MR ANDREW QUOYLE

CHAIR OF THE LORETO NORMANHURST SCHOOL BOARD

“It has been the simple coming together as a community that has given us all strength.”