The Loreto tradition has been shaped by faith, community and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. These values remain at the heart of Loreto Toorak today, highlighted each year through Happy Week and Feast Day.
This year, Happy Week brought the Loreto value of Felicity to life, encouraging students to embrace joy, hope and generosity. Inspired by the words of Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry, the week reminds students that true happiness is found in service to others:
“There is no surer way of being happy than in trying earnestly to make others so” – Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry
The celebrations culminated in Feast Day and our annual whole-School Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, a cherished Loreto Toorak tradition. Led by Fr Rozario, the Mass invited students and staff to reflect on the courage and vision of Mary Ward, whose belief in the dignity, freedom and education of women continues to shape Loreto education more than 400 years later.
Fr Rozario also encouraged students to remain grounded in an increasingly connected world, reminding them of the importance of listening to the voices that matter most: their own inner voice, their family and friends, and God’s presence in their lives.
“The story of Mary Ward continues to inspire our students today. Her courage, faith and commitment to justice remind us that education should empower young people not only to grow in knowledge, but also to recognise their responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of others and the common good,” shares Michelle McCarty, Director of Mission and Student Leadership.
In the afternoon, students returned to School for the much-anticipated Feast Day fete, a longstanding tradition that brings the community together in support of a shared purpose.
Students organised and operated a range of food and activity stalls, all in support of raising vital funds for Mary Ward International and their projects supporting Human Rights in India. There are three key projects focused on empowering women and girls through education, opportunity and advocacy that our funds will assist:
- Landing Pad: The Landing Pad project works to provide essential menstrual products for women and girls who might otherwise encounter barriers to accessing them. By removing obstacles, Landing Pad helps students feel secure, remain in the classroom, and continue their education without disruption. Learn more here.
- Bringing Light to the Sundarbans: This project assists families living without reliable electricity. Adequate home lighting is essential for students to complete homework, read and prepare for classes. Providing families with sustainable access to light ensures young people continue learning after dark and participate fully in their education. Learn more here.
- Barefoot Lawyers. The Barefoot Lawyers project empowers women by educating them about their legal and human rights. Understanding available legal protections offers a vital first step toward recognising injustice and advocating for personal safety, employment equity and equal access to education. The knowledge gained through this program extends far beyond individual participants, strengthening families and wider communities.
We are proud to announce that our community raised over $52,000 for Mary Ward International during Happy Week and on Feast Day. Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts and contributed to this wonderful fundraising effort.
Our partnership with Mary Ward International reminds our students that education is not simply something we receive, but a powerful instrument that enables us to recognise inequality and contribute meaningfully to positive change.
For many families, Feast Day is one of their favourite Loreto Toorak traditions. It connects today’s students with generations of Loreto women who have been inspired by the vision of Mary Ward around the world and who are committed to making a meaningful contribution to society and a real difference for women and girls everywhere
See how a Loreto Toorak education brings the Mary Ward Tradition to life every day by registering for an upcoming open morning here.
