Celebrating 150 years of Loreto in Australia

This year marks a significant milestone in the history of Loreto in Australia - 150 years since the arrival of the Loreto Sisters in Ballarat, led by Mother Gonzaga Barry. To honour this occasion, I was able to accompany Dr Nicole Archard to Ballarat for a series of celebrations that paid tribute to the incredible legacy of the Sisters and their contribution to education in Australia.

Our visit to Loreto College Ballarat allowed us to walk through the historic classrooms, grounds and chapel where the Loreto story first began in this country. The school’s deep sense of history and tradition was evident in the beautifully preserved buildings, as well as in the warmth and enthusiasm of the Loreto Ballarat students and staff who welcomed us.

The special exhibition provided an inspiring insight into the journey of the Loreto Sisters over the past 150 years. Through historical photographs, documents, and artifacts, we were able to reflect on the courage, vision, and dedication of these pioneering women. The beautiful mannequins, draped with printed skirts from every Loreto school, and Perspex story boxes served as a powerful reminder of how Sisters’ commitment to education and justice continues to shape the lives of young people today.

A standout moment was the moving performance of Serious Business , a drama production depicting the life and work of Mother Gonzaga Barry with a contemporary flavour. This powerful piece brought to life the challenges and triumphs of her mission, highlighting her resilience and unwavering faith in the transformative power of education. Seeing history so vividly portrayed on stage was both inspiring and deeply emotional.

Beyond the formal events, this trip provided me with a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Loreto educators and share in the joy of this significant anniversary. The spirit of Mary Ward’s vision - one of strong, compassionate, and determined women - was felt in every conversation, every shared story, and every moment of reflection on the past and future of Loreto education.

It was an honour to be part of such a special occasion and to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Loreto Sisters in Australia. A huge congratulations to Sr Sandra Perrett and her team for the preparation and outstanding delivery of such a special exhibition. We hope you are all able to visit us when the exhibition opens at Loreto Kirribilli on Monday 5 May at 5pm.

Linda Walburn
Assistant Head of the Junior School