est. 1924
Independent Catholic Girls School Preparatory to Year 12
At Loreto Toorak, we do not just develop her potential;
we help her direct it toward something that matters.
The Congregation of Jesus (formerly known as the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) was founded over 400 years ago by English woman Mary Ward. The Loreto Sisters, under the leadership of Mother Gonzaga Barry, brought her vision for Catholic education to Australia from Ireland in 1875. Beginning in Ballarat, they shaped an Australia wide network of schools committed to excellence, freedom, justice and sincerity.
English woman Mary Ward (1585-1645) founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters and now the Congregation of Jesus (CJ).
Mother Gonzaga Barry IBVM came with a group of seven women to Ballarat, having left Loreto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Ireland. The Loreto Sisters established schools in Ballarat (1875), Melbourne (1889), Sydney (1892), Perth (1897), Adelaide (1905) and Brisbane (1927). They also established the first Central Catholic Teacher Training College (1906) and Free Catholic Kindergarten (1912), and the first female Catholic residential college - St Mary's Hall (later College) at the University of Melbourne (1918).
The Loreto Sisters purchased Mandeville Hall, and slept in the stables, used the Oak Parlour as a Chapel, the Drawing Room as a reception room, and several bedrooms as dormitories. The rest of Mandeville Hall was used for classrooms.
Archbishop Daniel Mannix laid the foundation stone of the Chapel of Christ the King in 1927, with the first Mass celebrated on 12 May 1928.
The name “Loreto” comes from the first house of the IBVM in Rathfarnham, Ireland, and traces its origins to a well-known place of pilgrimage in Italy. Loreto had been a place of devotion for Mary Ward, who travelled widely across Europe on her journey to Rome. Interestingly, Mother Teresa Ball, who founded the Irish branch of the IBVM, chose the name “Loreto” for her first foundation in Dublin without knowing of this connection.
The Loreto Crest is believed to have been created by Mother Teresa Ball in the 1850s as an expression of faith and spirituality. Its shield is based on the family crest of Mary Ward.
The Loreto Crest is believed to have been created by Mother Teresa Ball in the 1850s as an expression of faith and spirituality. Its shield is based on the family crest of Mary Ward.
The Sacred Heart reminds us that love is at the centre of everything. It encourages us to show kindness in all that we do.
The loving heart represents Mary Ward, Founder, who’s vision guides us today. When we see it, we are invited to pause and reflect.
The anchor is a symbol of strength and hope. It reminds us that no matter the challenge, we can find peace and guidance through p
“Maria Regina Angelorum” is Latin for Mary, Queen of the Angels.
“Cruci Dum Spiro Fido”, is Latin for “in the Cross, while I breathe, I trust”. This means we will always believe in God’s goodness and he will always look after us.
Excellence at Loreto Toorak is a byproduct of purpose. Whether she is pursuing the sciences, the arts, or social justice, she does so with a compass that points true. We celebrate academic success in all fields; we value the woman she becomes even more.
Join us for an Open Morning and experience the community, opportunities and formation that help every girl find her own path.
