Mid-Year Reflections 

Although we are now well into June, it is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through 2022, with things starting to return to normal after two vastly different years for our school communities, each of which has been uniquely impacted by such unpredictability. Our ability to gather in person again after such an extended period on-screen has been a great blessing. I have reflected on the importance of once again connecting with others in the context of my involvement with our Loreto communities. Since joining the board of LML (Loreto Ministries Limited) in early 2020, I had not had the opportunity to meet face to face with all of our board directors until February this year. The simple act of sharing a meal together before our board meeting highlighted the importance of personal relationships and interactions to our individual fulfilment and general well-being. 

It has been wonderful to visit some of our schools in the first half of the year and celebrate some key milestones. The opening of the Clendon Centre at Loreto Toorak was one of these special occasions. In May, the LML board meeting was held on site at Loreto College Coorparoo. We had the opportunity to engage with the College’s team and tour the school grounds before reviewing the updated college master plan. Shortly after this, in June, I had the opportunity to hear about the House of Welcome in Sydney and how it supports the refugee and asylum seeker community through an event hosted by Mary Ward International Australia. Our network is well and truly thriving once again.  

Over the next few months, you will be hearing more about Future Loreto, the Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP) being developed by the Province and LML with the assistance of several others who have been down this path with other religious orders. Ensuring we continue to shape a sustainable Loreto Ministries is the next step in building on the almost 150 years of Loreto history in Australia.  

Despite my earlier comments on life beginning to return to normal, I wish to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our school staff, pupils and parents who have managed so well despite increased COVID-19 and flu cases and student and staff absences. I wish you all a well-deserved rest over the winter term break. 

Author: Margaret Kennedy, Board Chair, Loreto Ministries