If I had said ‘no’ I would have been unfaithful to grace.
- Mother Gonzaga Barry
In 2025, we proudly celebrate 150 years of Loreto in Australia and South East Asia, honouring the vision, courage, and faith of the ten pioneering Sisters who arrived in 1875 to establish a transformative education for young women. Guided by the charism of Mary Ward and the leadership of Mother Gonzaga Barry, their mission of seeking truth, doing justice, and empowering women laid the foundation for generations of Loreto students. Today, Loreto Normanhurst continues this tradition, embracing our shared values of Verity, Justice, Sincerity, Freedom, and Felicity, ensuring a future where young women lead with wisdom, compassion, and strength.
View the Loreto Normanhurst Historical Timeline
Reflections from Mother Gonzaga Barry
In this celebratory year of 150 Years of Loreto in Australia and Southeast Asia, we pause to reflect on the gift of Mother Gonzaga Barry's letters to her dearest children in the school magazine 'Eucalyptus Blossoms'
Loret Sister, Sandra Perrett ibvm, has prepared a series of monthly meditations that reflect on pearls of wisdom from Mother Gonzaga Barry’s letters sourced from the Loreto Australia and Southeast Asia Archives
February Reflection
March Reflection
April Reflection
150 Artwork
Evie Davidson
A proud Dja Dja Wurung woman from the outskirts of Ballarat and currently a Year 10 student at Loreto College Ballarat. In 2023 her group was treated to an inspiring session with Miriam- Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann from the Northern Territory, and invited to make a small painting.
Evie chose a Eucalyptus branch with blossoms under a night sky. It is this that she then worked on with the guidance of Lua Pellegrini to design the logo for the 2025 celebrations.
Lua Pelligrini
A proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up on Darug Country and an Alumna of Loreto Normanhurst, Class of 2019.
Lua graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Arts, majoring in Indigenous Studies at the University of NSW. She has also worked as the Artist in Residence at St Andrew’s College within The University of Sydney.
Lua says it was a pleasure to work with and mentor Evie, watching her self-efficacy and confidence surrounding her ideas and artistic practice through the process of designing the artwork for the 2025 celebrations.
Travelling Exhibition
In celebration of 150 years of Loreto in Australia and South East Asia, a special Travelling Exhibition is touring the country throughout 2025. This exhibition brings together historical artefacts, artwork, banners, displays, and interactive installations that showcase Loreto’s rich heritage and vision for the future.
A highlight of the exhibition is a series of breathtaking mannequin skirts, crafted by the six Loreto schools and two associated schools. Inspired by the Good Shepherd Sisters’ ‘Feminine Fortitude’ exhibit at Abbotsford Convent, these skirts are a striking representation of Loreto’s legacy and ongoing story. Each skirt is uniquely designed with intricate bands that honour:
- A tribute to First Nations culture
- Iconic buildings and architecture
- Inspiring figures in the school community
- Creative expressions of each school’s identity
Loreto Normanhurst is delighted to host the Travelling Exhibition when it arrives on campus on Monday, 26 May. We invite all members of our community to experience this significant milestone in our shared history. More details about the event will be shared soon.
| Commences | Concludes | |
|---|---|---|
| Loreto College Ballarat | Friday, 28 February | Friday, 14 March |
| Loreto Toorak | Wednesday, 19 March | Friday, 4 April |
| Loreto Kirribilli | Monday, 5 May | Friday, 16 May |
| Loreto Normanhurst | Monday, 26 May | Friday, 6 June |
| Loreto College Marryatville | Wednesday 23 July | Friday, 8 August |
| Bayview College (Portland) | Monday, 11 August | Friday, 22 August |
| Loreto College Cooparoo | Thursday, 4 September | Friday, 27 September |
| John XXIII College | November | November |
