This year, the Loreto community continued to embody Mary Ward’s vision that “women in time will come to do much” in their International Women’s Day celebrations. Throughout March, each school held a range of events and activities that showcased the incredible achievements of current Loreto students and alumnae that personify Mary Ward’s values of Justice, Sincerity, Freedom, Verity and Felicity.
In its centenary year, Loreto Mandeville Hall Toorak launched Women In Time, a digital display of notable Loreto Toorak alumnae. The physical display is a permanent fixture in the Crescent Theatre foyer and was officially opened to commemorate International Women’s Day, with the intention of incorporating new alumnae into the display each year. The famous words of Mary Ward inspire the name of the display: “There is no such difference between men and women that women may they not do great things? And I hope in God it may be seen in time to come that women will do much.”
Loreto Normanhurst welcomed several alumnae back onto campus to share their remarkable career journeys across a diverse range of industries at their Women of Influence evening. The school also invited alumna Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia and Vice President of Caritas Internationalis, to speak at their assembly in March. These events both celebrated and exemplified how a Loreto education shapes its students to go on and contribute to society and lead the way towards a more equal, unified and resilient future for all.
Loreto College Ballarat marked the occasion with an inspiring breakfast where three more incredible alumnae were inducted into its Women in Time – Inspiring Alumni initiative: Andrea Dennett (Community Service Leadership), Grace Mulcahy (Young Achiever in STEM), and Margot Search nee Podger (Community Service Leadership).
Whether navigating male-dominated industries, helping those in need or contributing to a sustainable future, all three inductees shared their unique message, each referencing values, skills and memories from their time at Loreto. Current student, Bethany Ryan, was also recognised for her gentle leadership, unwavering commitment and genuine compassion for others and received the Student Award.
Loreto Kirribilli participated in several inspiring International Women’s Day events, including facilitating a Companions in Learning International Women’s Day Breakfast with guest speaker Dr Laura Vidal and a lunchtime panel discussion on the UN theme, Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. There was also an opportunity for School Leaders Emily d’Souza and Sybilla Delaney to accompany Principal Dr Nicole Archard to a breakfast hosted by Catholic Schools NSW, where keynote speaker the Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP shared insights into her years of experience in public life.
Loreto College Marryatville celebrated International Women’s Day in several ways, including creating a collaborative mural with purple, green and white handprints, colours that are symbolic of this day. Year 6 and Year 12 students attended an International Women’s Day breakfast with journalist Annabel Crabb and Australian Senator and Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honourable Penny Wong. In addition to these activities, Amelia Boulden, a Year 12 student, proposed her Bill to close the gender pay gap at the Team Parliament debate at South Australia’s Parliament House. It was an important day that celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of women and the Loreto College Marryatville community.
Students at Loreto College Coorparoo were invited to dress as a woman who inspires them or wear the colours of International Women’s Day – purple, green and white – to mark the occasion. In doing so, students brought a gold coin donation to raise money for the Mary Ward International Australia supported solar lantern initiative in India. This meaningful action not only celebrates inspirational women but also supports community-led initiatives globally.
This year, our focus at Mary Ward International Australia remains clear. With your continued support, we’ll continue to invest in women through projects led by Loreto Sisters and others within the broader Loreto network. Because we firmly believe that strong women lead to strong communities. Together, we are building a fairer, more balanced world where everyone thrives.
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