Mary Ward Connect 2025

The program involves Year 10 students and takes place over four days each year, with six participating schools (Loreto Ballarat, Loreto Coorparoo, Loreto Kirribilli, Loreto Marryatville, Loreto Normanhurst and Loreto Toorak) hosting a total of 12 students and two staff for the three-day school exchange. At its heart, the program is a celebration of over 400 years of Mary Ward education, aiming to promote student leadership and build and strengthen connections between students, staff, and communities in Loreto schools nationwide.

This year, teachers Rachel Noonan and Maria Emmi accompanied our students to Loreto Toorak, and teachers Adrienne Grimes and Kirsten Inches accompanied girls to Loreto Coorparoo. In return, 16 of our Year 10 Loreto Kirribilli girls were hosts for our visitors from Loreto Coorparoo and Loreto Toorak this week.

The girls have enjoyed each other’s company immensely this week. They have spent time comparing schools, learning beside each other, talking, laughing, and sharing meals, connections and new friendships.

Two of our Year 10 participants took some time to reflect on their experience:

The Mary Ward Connect Program is a wonderful initiative that brings together students from Loreto schools across Australia for a one-week exchange experience. I was lucky enough to be among eight Loreto Kirribilli students who travelled to Brisbane to visit Loreto College Coorparoo. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth, enthusiasm, and a series of fun bonding activities – including a fast-paced scavenger hunt that had us racing around the campus with our Coorparoo buddies. Throughout the week, we’ve shared classrooms, conversations, and countless laughs, gaining a real insight into the daily life of another Loreto community. It has been fascinating to notice the similarities that unite our schools, as well as the little differences that make each one unique. What has stood out the most, though, is the deep sense of connection that exists between Loreto girls, no matter where we’re from. Even though we had never met before, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. We’ve made memories we’ll always treasure, and friendships that we know will last well beyond this exchange.
Caroline - visiting Loreto Coorparoo

Our time at Loreto Toorak has been so incredible. We have all really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other Loreto girls and experience firsthand the warmth, generosity, and school spirit that make our Loreto community so special. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms and felt immediately at home. We have all loved attending classes with our host sisters and finding out what makes each Loreto school unique. Our hosts have been so welcoming, showing us around their school, with Cafe Mandeville being a highlight! Everyone has loved experiencing Melbourne city as a Loreto girl, especially visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square, and Chapel Street all together. It’s been so inspiring to see how the values we all share are lived out in different ways at Loreto Toorak. It has also been fun to compare our traditions, swap stories, and undertake tours of each other’s schools. Singing ' Queen of Loreto' together at assembly truly captured the essence of what it means to be a part of the Loreto community, no matter where you are. Mary Ward Connect has deepened our appreciation of what it means to be part of the wider Loreto community, and we’re so grateful to have made new friendships and memories that we will carry with us long after we return to Kirribilli.
Lucia  - visiting Loreto Toorak

Linda Walburn
LSAC Representative for Loreto Kirribilli