Throughout this trying time for our Nation and World, we celebrate the efforts of our school Principals, teachers and support staff as they respond to the challenges of the COVID–19 pandemic.  

Our history as followers of Mary Ward has always been immersed in the spiritual and intellectual wellbeing of our students and staff. Our response to these current challenges has been deeply focused on our Loreto community and their families.  

In a rapidly changing and uncertain environment we have been compelled to be adaptive and flexible whilst focusing on our core priorities. Our schools are transitioning to the delivery of greater content through online and virtual sources. This significant challenge has been met with a ‘can do’ and positive mindset. Our school leaders have been extraordinary in their responsiveness, spirit and innovative approaches. We are deeply committed to the young adults and children in our schools whom we nurture, in the words of Mary Ward, to ‘do good and do it well’. A few months ago, we could not have imagined such radical and demanding challenges. 

We are blessed by the quality, commitment and professionalism of the people in our schools. They are driven by the development of our students to go out into the world and make a lasting contribution to the moral fibre of that world across a wide range of professions and occupations. Their dedication at this time is truly humbling. 

As we move forward our schools will continue to seek and respond to policy, guidance and advice from the Health and Government authorities in our Australian community. 

These times present us with unprecedented challenges, as well as opportunities for deeper reflection, meditation and prayer. As Pope Francis recently said, God brings serenity into our storms, because with God life never dies.

With Warm Regards,

Cate Sydes CEO, Loreto Ministries April, 2020