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 Schools of Australia 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. They are governed by their School Boards. Loreto Ministries has governance responsibilities for two associated schools, John XXIII College (Perth, WA), and Bayview College (Portland, VIC), which have both been founded in the Loreto educational tradition. The Loreto Sisters also work with the people of Gari-uai, Timor-Leste and have built a much needed pre-primary school and community development centre.
