From cherished friendships to unforgettable experiences, India reflects on the journey of the Class of 2026. In her Graduation Address, she shares what made her and the cohort’s time at Loreto Toorak so special and the lessons they will carry into the future.
“I am incredibly honoured to be representing the Class of 2026 at this very special graduation ceremony. I am immensely grateful for the gift of speaking on behalf of our year level, and for the chance to reflect on the unique spirit of this wonderful School.
Unlike most of the girls in this room, I arrived in Year 9. My parents offered me the opportunity to come to Loreto Toorak, a school I’d heard so much about from three girls I already knew in the year level. Listening to their stories about School life, the sporting opportunities, the camps and the friendships, my decision was easy. In the lead-up to my first day, I was a mix of nerves and excitement. The Year 9 class dancing competition soon showed me just how fiercely competitive this year level could be, but it also showed me how quickly I could become part of it. It was not long before I felt welcomed into the Loreto Toorak family, in a place I could call my second home.
Throughout my time at Loreto Toorak, I have always been aware that not everyone gets an opportunity like this. I felt incredibly fortunate, and because of that, I wanted to try everything, embrace everything, immerse myself in everything. And so I did.
I participated in almost every sport on offer, though I soon learned that the most competitive event of all was the lunchtime race to the microwave. I volunteered wherever I could, attended every social event, and said yes to every opportunity that came my way. I was always conscious that my time here was short, and I was determined to embrace the Loreto Toorak spirit wholeheartedly.
As a year level, we have grown up together. Some of us have been here since Preparatory, and others like me joined a little later in the journey. But from the moment we first walked through the gates, whether at Rathfarnham or Clendon Road, we were welcomed into a community that encouraged us to dream, to challenge ourselves, and to grow into genuine contributors to the world around us. Loreto Toorak has nurtured and supported us at every step, empowering us to become the best version of ourselves.
Loreto Toorak has nourished our intellect, fuelled our curiosity, and instilled in us the five values that will continue to shape us long after we leave this School: Sincerity, Felicity, Freedom, Verity, and Justice. Freedom is what resonates with me at this point in time: the freedom to accept who we are, to be open with others, and to trust in whatever comes next. As we step into a new kind of freedom beyond our School gates, I am reminded of just how privileged we are to have received this education, and to be surrounded by the wealth of support in this room tonight.
Whilst we are all working towards an ATAR, our time at Loreto Toorak was never just about academics. It was about opportunity: the chance to explore, to grow, to give to those around us and our wider communities, and to forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
We have laughed together, cried together and supported one another through every high and every low of our School years. And whilst our time here has been full of big, exciting moments, it is the smaller ones that I will hold close to my heart and cherish forever. The morning homeroom round-ups.
Irrespective of our achievements, the subjects we studied, our co-curricular activities, or our friendship groups, we have all shared the same bond. And as we venture off into the unknown, wherever that may take us, we will forever remain connected through that special bond.
As we reflect upon our secondary years, it is important to acknowledge those who have brought us to this moment.
Our teachers have been our mentors and guides, tirelessly invested in our success, whether in the classroom, on the sporting field or on the stage. Each one has played a part in shaping who we are. I am so grateful that we have had such inspiring, committed role models encouraging us each day to strive to be better.
And of course, behind every student is the humble story of our parents and families: the people who stood by us, cheered us on, wiped away our tears, and believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. You have driven us to countless training sessions, early mornings and late nights. Your sacrifices and unwavering love are the reason we have all made it through this demanding final year in one piece.
To every parent in this room: thank you for raising such beautiful, strong, talented and loving girls with big hearts. Your girls are the reason I was excited to go to School every day. They have grown into inspiring young women, and you should be so proud of their individual talents and passions. Whether they are an academic, an athlete, an artist or fashion designer, a musician, an actress, a social leader, or a community contributor, Loreto Toorak has nurtured and celebrated these very special gifts.
It is our turn to gather for the last time as a cohort, to walk through the Loreto Toorak guard of honour. It will be the last time all 161 of us stand together in our blue dresses and white ribbons, with guaranteed tears in our eyes.
We say goodbye to this chapter of our lives as we open the doors to the next. I am sure that we all share a mixture of excitement and apprehension as we look ahead to the future. Some of us may have a clear sense of direction, but I think most of us are still working out which road to take. However winding or uncertain that path may be, we will meet whatever comes next with the same determination and resilience we showed here at School.
Our Loreto Toorak education has given us the tools to be strong female leaders, not just within our cohort, but in our wider communities and within ourselves. We will carry forward the lessons we have learned as young, confident and independent women, stepping out into a fast-changing world. This School has taught us to challenge stereotypes, to use our voices, to stay true to ourselves, and to believe in our own limitless potential.
Loreto Toorak has given us the knowledge, the confidence and the friendships that will shape our lives forever. As we leave, let us embrace whatever comes next.
Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of this wonderful journey with me. I will certainly miss seeing you all every day.
May our futures be as bright as the memories we leave behind.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!”
