Loreto Schools

The Loreto education tradition spans many centuries, inspired first by the founder of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mary Ward, and grounded into the Australian context by Gonzaga Barry ibvm in the late 19th century.

For both these women, the passion and commitment to educate women to be seekers of truth and doers of justice, was fired by their belief in the God of love and expansiveness made known to us through the witness of Jesus. This belief in God who creates each person with endless potential and with equal right to participate fully in our world, lies at the heart of the Loreto Education Mission Statement:

That Loreto schools offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service.

Each of our seven Loreto schools in Australia is outstanding in its commitment to this shared mission. The leadership of our schools over the years has been exceptional, supported by the dedication of parents, teachers and past students, and guided by their local governance body – the School Council.

Loreto Ministries also engages with two associated schools, John XXIII, Perth and Bayview College, Victoria, which both have roots in the Loreto educational tradition. Please click here to view the list of Loreto Schools.

In addition, the Loreto Sisters are working with the people of Gari-uai, Timor-Leste and recently built a much needed pre-primary school and community development centre.

Loreto Education Philosophy

Serving to inspire and steer the purposes, objectives and focus areas the Loreto Schools are guided by the Loreto Education Philosophy. It is an important document linking the Loreto schools and clarifies our beliefs, values and understanding with respect to education. Currently it is in the process of being updated in collaboration with the wider Loreto community.

Mary Ward School Compass

A guiding educational resource for all global Mary Ward Schools was developed in 2017 as a result of over 60 Congregation Jesus (CJ) and IBVM representatives from 21 countries coming together to form a unified network. The Mary Ward School Compass will be incorporated into the revised Loreto Education Philosophy. Download the Mary Ward School Compass here.