The Festival of Loreto Day

YEAR IN

THE FESTIVAL OF LORETO DAY

Like so many events planned this year, the annual celebration of community that is Loreto Day unfolded with a difference in 2020. Under the patient leadership of Year 11, it transformed into ‘The Festival of Loreto Day,’ which proved as felicitous and impactful as ever. After a process of deep discernment, Year 11 chose to raise awareness and funds for ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans). ACRATH aims to ultimately eradicate modern-day slavery, forced marriage, forced labour and sexual exploitation. Its work involves action-oriented awarenessraising, government advocacy and collaboration with countertrafficking networks. Our School community supported this worthy cause with fervour and open-mindedness. Onsite, students and staff could be seen wearing a lapel pin with colours that represented the UN’s Sustainability Goals and each of the Secondary School Houses. Families and friends of Loreto got in on the action from home with our online raffle and auction. On the day itself, Year 11 dextrously managed group gathering restrictions while delivering a busy and joy-filled schedule of activities. The day began with a beautiful liturgy that was recorded in our chapel and grounds and shared virtually to classrooms. Year 11 then hosted an insightful Zoom assembly. It featured special guest Professor Felicity Gerry QC, who spoke from a legal perspective about the globalisation of modern slavery, its under-reported presence in Australia and the impacts of our choices as consumers.

It wouldn’t have been Loreto Day without a good dose of music and fun. There was some socially distanced dancing in the gym, sports activities in year groups and special Loreto Day showbags. Spread out on the oval, we were able to share a meal provided by Year 11, which made for a special reminder of the strength and solidarity that comes from gathering as a community, even at a distance. Congratulations to Year 11 for stepping up to the challenge of creating a new experience that brimmed with the compassion and enthusiasm we are accustomed to on Loreto Day. The student leaders demonstrated adaptability and optimism in guiding our school in its support of ACRATH. Thank you to those members of our wider community who were with us in spirit on the day and who contributed so generously to our fundraising efforts.