FROM OUR CHAIR I BEGAN MY MESSAGE IN LAST YEAR’S EDITION OF LORETO LIFE WITH THE MAXIM THAT ‘CHANGE WAS THE ONLY CONSTANT’ IN THE LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY – NO TRUER WORDS COULD HAVE DESCRIBED 2020.
As we reflect on this historic year, there is no doubt that the impact of the events that have unfolded will be far-reaching and experienced differently by many. We started the year concerned for rural communities affected by prolonged drought and hardship, as well as a devastating bushfire season. True to form, the Loreto Normanhurst community rallied behind our boarding families with incredible empathy. We then began to witness what was quickly to become a global pandemic unfold around the world. Our school community showed incredible resilience during this time. However, the full impact of COVID-19 - emotional, psychological, and financial - may not be known for several years, and we continue to remain mindful of the effects of this crisis on our community. The flexibility and perseverance required of our school to adapt to this constant state of flux was profound. To move so quickly from teaching and learning onsite to remote learning via ‘FACE Online’ was simply remarkable. It demonstrated the incredible professionalism of our Leadership Team, teachers, and support staff, who remained committed to the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model and reconceived the delivery of this holistic curriculum in and out of the virtual ‘classroom.’ Together, in the spirit of Mary Ward, we can confidently say that we have provided a true, holistic Loreto Normanhurst education to all students this year, albeit a little different from the norm.
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I applaud the tenacity of all our students, particularly the Class of 2020. I am certain that this cohort will look back with pride on the way they have conducted themselves and what they have achieved, both personally and academically. With the HSC now well behind us, I hope all members of the Class of 2020 have achieved their potential and wish them success in their desired next steps, whatever they may be. I would like to thank the School Board and the Leadership Team for their support and discernment over this year, the context of which presented some testing times, particularly in regard to deliberations on significant, longterm projects such as the Master Plan. In continued consultation with stakeholders, the School has worked diligently to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and prudent financial stewardship of the School. On behalf of the School Board I would like to thank all the staff and the Leadership Team for their determination and perseverance, especially Ms Ugonotti whose leadership has been exemplary. The change required this year was monumental and it called for significant effort from all to achieve what will, I am sure, be remembered for a long time to come.
MR ANDREW QUOYLE CHAIR OF THE LORETO NORMANHURST SCHOOL BOARD
