ABOUT US
Mary Wright
Scholarship Programme
The Mary Wright Scholarship Programme invests in the development of leaders serving across the Loreto network. It provides scholarships for professional learning, Canon Law and Catholic governance, strengthening leadership for the future of Loreto's mission and ministries.
MARY WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
Investing in the leaders who carry the mission forward
Named in honour of Sr Mary Wright IBVM, whose leadership and service made a lasting contribution to Loreto schools in Australia and internationally, the Mary Wright Scholarship Programme supports individuals to undertake study and formation aligned with the mission and values of Loreto in the Mary Ward tradition.
The programme includes two streams, recognising both professional leadership development and formation in Canon Law and Catholic governance.
"This scholarship represents an important investment in the future leadership of Loreto schools. It honours Sr Mary Wright's legacy by supporting leaders who will carry forward the mission with integrity, wisdom and courage."
- Margaret Kennedy, Chair, Loreto Ministries
TWO STREAMS
The Mary Wright Scholarship Programme offers two pathways for leaders across the Loreto network. Applications for the 2027 Programme are now open.
The Programme
STREAM ONE
Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship
Supporting professional growth and leadership development within Loreto schools. Recipients undertake formal study or structured professional programmes that strengthen their capacity to lead in the Mary Ward tradition.
Are you a current Loreto school leader looking to grow?
Apply for the Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship if you:
Hold a current leadership role (teaching or administration) in a Loreto school
Are seeking to further develop your leadership capacity
Are ready for a study or immersion opportunity that will benefit both you and your school
Up to $25,000 is available to support your chosen leadership development path.
STREAM TWO
Sr Mary Wright Canon Law Immersion
Supporting formation in Canon Law and Catholic governance for those serving Loreto schools and ministries. Recipients deepen their understanding of the canonical structures that underpin the Loreto mission.
Are you a Loreto School Board Chair, Director, Committee Member, or Director of Mission seeking to deepen your governance knowledge?
Apply for the Sr Mary Wright Canon Law Immersion if you:
Serve as a current Board Chair, Director, Committee Member, or Director of Mission in a Loreto school
Are committed to strengthening values-based leadership across the Loreto network
Want to deepen your understanding of Canon Law and MPJP governance
Loreto Ministries will fully fund your participation in selected Canon Law study modules.
Applications close: 16th September 2026
All applications for the Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship and Canon Law Immersion will be reviewed by the Loreto Ministries Stewards.
The Stewards will meet to shortlist candidates prior to the LM Board Meeting on 7th October 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the Stewards and a member of the Wright family following that meeting.
Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
Selection Process
Suggested Canon Law Study Options
Australia
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Graduate Diploma in Governance and Canon Law
Graduate Certificate in Governance and Canon Law
Higher degrees also allowable
Online and blended options are available.
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International
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The Catholic University of America
Franciscan University of Steubenville (Germany)
Mary Wright Scholarship: FAQs
The following FAQs might assist applicants as they prepare their submission.
Should you have any questions that are not addressed below, please do not hesitate to reach out to Maureen Ryan on Maureen.Ryan@loretoministries.org.au.
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Yes, it does need your principal’s signature on the application form before submission. This is to ensure that:
The proposed study or experience you are considering will add value to your current school setting; and
The school can fund the necessary relief time (and associated costs), if any, of your taking up this proposed study or experience.
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Some of the inaugural recipients found it most valuable to discuss their application with their principal. It too confirmed for them their choice of study or experience and they also found the conversation with their principal to be most affirming of their value within the school context.
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If successful, in twelve months’ time, we will ask that you return to meet with the panel to discuss what you have gained from this experience and how you have shared this knowledge with your school community. We will be looking for a contribution back to the Loreto network and we are keen to hear of the impact you will have in your chosen endeavour.
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In recognition of the significant investment made by Loreto Ministries, the Employee agrees that if they resign or their employment is terminated for cause within two (2) years of completing the Scholarship, they will be required to repay the scholarship on a pro-rata basis.
Pro-Rata Calculation:
The repayable amount will be determined by reducing the total scholarship by one-twenty-fourth (1/24) for each full month of service completed by the Employee during the 24-month period following completion of the Program. The balance remaining at the cessation of employment will be the amount payable.
Repayment Process:
Loreto Ministries may, where lawful and appropriate, deduct the repayable amount from any final payments owing to the Employee. Any remaining balance is to be repaid within thirty (30) days of the Employee’s final day of employment.
Discretion to Waive:
Loreto Ministries retains the discretion to waive all or part of the repayment requirement in circumstances where such consideration aligns with organisational values or pastoral care principles.
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Yes, a Teams meeting (online) will be arranged after the launch of the Mary Wright Scholarships for 2027 and before submission date to meet with the inaugural recipients. This can be an opportunity to discuss with them:
How they approached the application process?
How they considered what study/experience they would undertake?
How they approached the interview?
Anything else you would like to know about the impact this scholarship has had on their professional growth and development.
SR MARY WRIGHT
In 2024, Sr Mary Wright recorded a short video reflecting on her role as Province Leader and the values that shaped her leadership. She shared insights marked by humility, wisdom, and a deep belief in the potential of others.
In this excerpt, Mary speaks about generosity - offering a powerful reflection on what it means to lead with trust, joy, and compassion:
“One of the most important values in leadership, for me, is generosity. It’s not always listed as a core value, but I believe it’s essential. Generosity means trusting people, approaching leadership with positivity, and resisting the urge to control. It’s a very Christian way to lead, and a very effective one.
Generous leadership allows people to flourish. Sometimes people won’t ask for what they truly need - perhaps because they feel they don’t deserve it, or they don’t want to be a burden. But generous leaders help create the conditions where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
There’s also something of felicity in this - a sense of joy, happiness, and presuming the best in others. These are the values I believe are most important in leadership.”
- Sr Mary Wright IBVM
On Leadership
Learn more about the life and legacy of Sr Mary Wright, whose vision for education, leadership and service continues to inspire this scholarship.
INAUGURAL RECIPIENTS
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Loreto Ministries is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Mary Wright Scholarship Programme.
Sr Mary Wright Leadership Scholarship recipients
Kerryn Boyko
Assistant Principal: Wellbeing
Loreto College Ballarat
"This scholarship will support my ongoing growth as a leader and strengthen my ability to support students and staff."
Kerryn Boyko plays a key role in supporting the pastoral care and wellbeing of students and staff at Loreto College Ballarat.
Master of Education (Leading Education) · University of Melbourne
Ellen Lincoln
Head of English
Loreto Normanhurst
"Developing a sequenced, knowledge-rich curriculum will help ensure all students have equitable access to deep and challenging learning."
Ellen Lincoln leads a team committed to delivering rich and engaging learning experiences at Loreto Normanhurst, driving a curriculum mapping project to strengthen instructional coherence.
Curriculum Mapping Project - whole-school knowledge-rich curriculum
Gail Winks
Director of Finance and Business Operations Loreto College Coorparoo
"This opportunity to engage with global school leaders will strengthen my capacity to lead strategic and operational change."
Gail Winks will undertake the ASBA International Study Tour in 2026, including leadership workshops in Spain, a digital transformation seminar in London, and school visits across the United Kingdom.
ASBA International Study Tour 2026 - Spain, London & United Kingdom
Sr Mary Wright Canon Law Immersion recipient
Felicity Knobel
Assistant Principal Faith and Identity
Loreto College Ballarat
"This study will deepen my capacity to support Loreto's mission and identity into the future."
Graduate Diploma in Canon Law,
BBI - The Australian Institute of Theological Education
About the recipient
Felicity Knobel is Assistant Principal Faith and Identity at Loreto College Ballarat, where she leads the faith life of the College and supports student leadership, social justice initiatives and the ongoing development of Loreto's Catholic identity.
Felicity will undertake a Graduate Diploma in Canon Law at BBI - The Australian Institute of Theological Education, deepening her capacity to support Loreto's mission within its canonical governance structures.
Applications for 2027
Applications for the next round of the Mary Wright Scholarship Programme, for study commencing in 2027, will open later in 2026.