Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry dreamed of her schools, their students, graduates and teachers, coming together to support each other through the ever-growing Mary Ward Circle of Friends.
That vision has been brought to life once again through the Mary Ward Connect program, an experience for students that develops the relationships, values and sense of belonging that sit at the heart of a Loreto Toorak education. Sixteen of our Year 10 students travelled to Loreto College Coorparoo and Loreto Normanhurst for a week of connection and community, whilst Loreto Toorak hosted visitors from both schools in return.
“Travelling to Loreto Coorparoo gave me the chance to connect with girls I would never have otherwise met. I feel I have made genuine friendships that I hope will last well beyond those three days. My buddy Georgia was especially memorable as she was so welcoming, and we instantly connected over our similar interests. What I appreciated most was meeting students who share similar values even though they have grown up in a completely different city. It showed me that being part of a Loreto school means belonging to something much bigger than just Loreto Toorak. The sense that I am a part of something bigger than one single school fills me with pride and makes me so grateful for the experience that I have as a Loreto Toorak student,” shares Stephanie after travelling to Loreto Coorparoo.
“One of the biggest things I took away from the experience was a greater appreciation for the Australian network of Loreto schools. Before the exchange, I knew that all Loreto schools were connected through Mary Ward’s values, but seeing those values reflected in another school community made that connection feel much more real. Although Loreto Normanhurst and Loreto Toorak each have their own traditions and culture, the welcoming atmosphere, strong sense of community, and shared values were very similar,” says Liesl, who travelled to Loreto College Normanhurst.
Stephanie and Liesl’s reflections speak to a defining feature of a Loreto Toorak education: belonging to a community that extends well beyond the School gates. Through the Mary Ward network, students form meaningful relationships and connections grounded in respect and compassion that strengthen their understanding of the wider Loreto community and the values that unite members across generations and locations.
Throughout Mary Ward Connect, students and staff immersed themselves in the daily life of their host schools, enjoying classrooms, grounds, assemblies and shared meals, as well as excursions around Brisbane and Sydney.
“The excursion to the city was a highlight, as it gave us the opportunity to explore Brisbane while spending more time with both the Normanhurst and Coorparoo girls. I loved how easy it was to make connections with both groups, as we were all in the same position and experiencing new things together. I believe that, especially as a traveller, this made it easier to be curious, open-minded and willing to meet lots of new people. Ultimately, Mary Ward Connect helped me appreciate the vast network of Loreto schools and the shared sense of community that connects us. It was a fun and unique experience that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, meet so many new people and gain a greater appreciation of the connections we share between our schools,” reflects Isabel upon her return from Loreto Coorparoo.
Loreto Toorak Year 10 hosts discovered a renewed appreciation for their School community, experiencing firsthand the importance of hospitality, generosity and connection and learning to welcome others with generosity.
“The best part of Mary Ward Connect was getting to meet new girls from both Normanhurst and Coorparoo and forming meaningful connections with not just my buddy but a range of girls. I also really enjoyed having the travelling girls sitting with my friends and I at lunch, as we got to compare our school life and our interests and hobbies,” comments Emma.
“As a host, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to show the other girls around our School. It gave me a greater appreciation for Loreto Toorak and helped me learn more about our School, especially by comparing it with the experiences and traditions of the other Loreto schools,” shares Camilla.
“My favourite part of Mary Ward Connect was taking our buddies to the city and deepening our connections with Coorparoo students. It was so special to show them our lovely city and hear all about Brisbane and its skyline,” finishes Harper.
Across three Loreto schools, students experienced the shared faith, values and traditions that unite the Mary Ward community, demonstrating they are part of something larger than themselves.
Mary Ward Connect is a reminder that education is about far more than academic results. It is about nurturing young women of character, strengthening their sense of faith and belonging, and surrounding them with a community that supports them. We are grateful to both our sister schools for their warm hospitality. Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry would be proud to see that through the enduring Mary Ward Circle of Friends, students are becoming young women who are compassionate, connected and open to the world around them.
Register for an upcoming Open Morning to experience the Mary Ward Circle of Friends at Loreto Toorak for yourself.
