The Art of Belonging and Collaboration

In his book The Art of Belonging, Hugh Mackay highlights that as social beings, we naturally seek connection and community, striving to become better together. This was profoundly evident during the Loreto Ministries conference, where Stewards, Board Chairs, and Principals gathered at Loreto Toorak on Saturday, 27 July 2024.

The evening before the conference, we gathered and celebrated our fellowship over a meal together. At the dinner, Anne Kelly ibvm had the privilege of recognising Peter Hoban, Board Chair of Loreto Marryatville, who will leave our network after ten years as Board Chair. We paid tribute to Peter’s outstanding leadership, commitment, and the significant contributions he, along with the three principals he has worked alongside, have made in transforming the Marryatville community. We also warmly welcomed his wife, Catherine Hill, who has served the Loreto Marryatville community in her own special way over many years.

Margaret Kennedy, Chair of the Steward Directors, opened the conference by recognising the outstanding leadership of outgoing Steward Rachel Grimes, who ends her term in December. Margaret spoke of Rachel’s intellect, determination, ability to mentor others, and deep respect for the Loreto Sisters, as hallmarks of her service to our network. Although Rachel was unable to attend the conference, she will be honoured later in the year.

The conference program centred on three key areas:

Our Shared Mission

The first session centred on our shared mission, which lies at the heart of everything we do, both individually and collectively. We were inspired by Sandra Perrett ibvm who challenged us to deepen this shared ministry and enter into a genuine encounter together.

Strengthening Our Network

In the second session, Steward Director, Chris Dodd, looked at ways we could strengthen this network together. We explored the art of stewardship and what this means for us now and into the future. We were challenged to use our imagination and dream of limitless possibilities. This sparked a great energy in the room as we collaboratively dreamed a future 100 years from now.

Vision for the Future

The final session, led by Dr Stephen Brown, founder of The Brown Collective, challenged us to name what some of these key areas might look and feel like if realised in the coming 1-3 years.

Discussions focused on creating leadership programs to support and enhance our Principals, emerging leaders, and teachers within the network. There was also a strong desire to explore how Mission and formation could be more widely shared within our school communities.

Following the conference, a survey was conducted to gather valuable feedback. Participants commented on the event’s impact, saying,

“I appreciate the wisdom, commitment and positive energy of our Principals, Chairs and Stewards; We are working on developing a culture or ‘disposition’ of encounter; relationships are strengthening and it was a very worthwhile event.”

As we left our conference, we all felt a greater connection to something bigger than our school communities, our school boards or Steward matters. We are all pioneers of this new MPJP entity, ready for the challenges and opportunities that will emerge on our journey. We stand proud ambassadors of the Loreto story and charism, enlivened by the opportunity to share this special ministry with the Loreto Sisters.

Author: Maureen Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Loreto Ministries

Feature image: Loreto Ministries Stewards, Principals, Board Chairs Conference, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, 27 July 2024

Back Row: Maureen Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Loreto Ministries, Michelle Brodrick, Principal, Loreto College Ballarat, Kim Wickham, Principal, Loreto College Coorparoo, Sandra Perrett ibvm, Loreto Sister, Loreto Province, Nicki Patten, Steward, Loreto Ministries, Margaret Kennedy, Steward, Chair Loreto Ministries, Louis Chiam, Board Chair, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Sheila McGregor, Board Chair, Loreto Kirribilli, Chris Dodd, Steward Loreto Ministries, Daniel Mahon, Principal, John XXIII College, Angela O’Dwyer, Principal, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak, Peter Hoban, Board Chair, Loreto College Marryatville, Michael McDonald, Steward, Loreto Ministries, Nicole Archard, Principal, Loreto Kirribilli

Seated: Donna Orazio, Board Chair, Loreto College Coorparoo, Anne Kelly ibvm, Steward, Loreto Ministries, Caroline Thompson, Steward, Loreto Ministries, Marina Ugonotti, Principal, Loreto Normanhurst, Kylie McCullah, Principal, Loreto College Marryatville, Nicole Patterson Board Chair Loreto Normanhurst