Statement from the Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia and Loreto Ministries

The Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia and Loreto Ministries acknowledge the pain and distress experienced by the Loreto Nedlands students, staff, school board, parents and past students at the closing of Loreto Nedlands in December 2023.

For many years, the changing demographic and educational landscape of the catchment area has presented challenges to the Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia (the Province) and, more recently, to Loreto Ministries. Throughout this time, the Province has provided significant ongoing financial support to Loreto Nedlands and the school board has actively consulted with Loreto Ministries regarding the stewardship and long-term viability of the school. Loreto Nedlands has consistently delivered excellent educational outcomes throughout this period.

Loreto Ministries undertook internal research prior to commissioning an independent review by Perth-based consultants to objectively evaluate the position of Loreto Nedlands. The report findings confirmed the demographic changes in the catchment area and the impact on the school’s current and long-term financial viability in an increasingly competitive education landscape.

After significant discernment, and with great difficulty and sorrow, the Province Council and the Loreto Ministries Board resolved that the Province will no longer have the financial capacity to provide ongoing support to Loreto Nedlands after December 2023.

The Loreto Sisters maintain a strong commitment to an ongoing Loreto presence and mission in Western Australia and are committed to working with Loreto Ministries and the Loreto community to explore ways to preserve the Loreto story in Western Australia for future generations.

The Loreto Sisters and Loreto Ministries are very proud of all that has been achieved at Loreto Nedlands over its 91-year history of service to Catholic education in the spirit of Mary Ward and acknowledge that this decision is extremely difficult for many, particularly those closely associated with Loreto Nedlands.

We know this is a particularly challenging time, and the Loreto Province of Australia and South East Asia and Loreto Ministries are deeply committed to the students, staff, school board, parents and past students of Loreto Nedlands throughout the transition period.