Our College

Our College

Our College2023-05-29T14:15:47+10:00
Established in 1928, Loreto Coorparoo is one of a network of more than 150 Mary Ward schools around the world, seven of which are located throughout Australia. It was established by the Sisters of the Institute of Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loreto Sisters.

Mary Ward tradition

The Mary Ward tradition of excellence in women’s education began in 1609 when Mary Ward founded a religious order (the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary IBVM) and opened her first school for girls in St Omer.

Mary Ward had a compelling vision “that women in time to come will do much”. She believed passionately in the capacity of women, through education, to make a profound difference for good in the world.

Her rich legacy inspires all involved in her schools today to be “seekers of truth and does of justice” (Mary Ward).

At Loreto our vision is to offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service.

Over 400 years of Educating Women

The educational vision of Loreto schools springs from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Mary Ward founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) in 1609, she recognised the critical difference that education could make to her troubled world, especially through the care and development of faith.

Offering girls the kind of education that would make them “seekers of truth and doers of justice” was innovative and controversial, as was her plan for the Institute to be self-governing, mobile and actively engaged in the work of the Gospel. Grounded in Ignatian Spirituality, she believed in the capacity of women as well as men to find God in the ordinary experience of human life. In her time it seemed that she fought a losing battle, culminating in the suppression of her Institute, her own imprisonment and the closing of the schools.

Over 400 years later, the spirit of Mary Ward continues to inspire. Today Loreto schools are part of an international network of friendship. In 1875 Mother Mary Gonzaga Barry brought the Institute to Australia. Her influence on primary, secondary and tertiary education was both lively and profound. She established schools across the country which provided a wide range of students with a balanced, happy yet challenging education that prepared them to exert a lasting influence on the emerging nation. Moreover, her initiatives to improve the quality of teacher training and inservice went far beyond Loreto. Now the Institute is active across Australia and in every continent, collaborating with others to bring the Gospel to life in the church and in society. Education is seen as a vital part of this endeavour, a way of promoting full human growth and freedom.

This is our vision: that Loreto schools offer a Catholic education which liberates, empowers and motivates students to use their individual gifts with confidence, creativity and generosity in loving and responsible service.


Why choose a Girls School?

We invite families to view the following clip from Alliance of Girls Schools Australia, to get the facts about why a girls’ school is such a fantastic educational choice for your daughter.

Loreto Connections

The Loreto organisations listed below are part of Australian and international networks committed to working together towards Mary Ward’s vision of justice, freedom and sincerity.

Loreto Schools Australia

There are a number of Loreto Schools throughout Australia in which Loreto traditions are integral to the education carried out in them. Loreto Australia is committed to maintaining these schools, ensuring that school councils, principals and staff have access to the spirituality of Mary Ward.

  • Loreto Ballarat, Vic
    Loreto College Ballarat is an independent Catholic day secondary school for girls from Years 7 to 12.
  • Loreto Kirribilli, NSW
    Loreto College Kirribilli is an Independent Catholic day school with an enrolment of approximately 1049 girls from Kindergarten to Year 12.
  • Loreto Mandeville Hall, Vic
    Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak is a Catholic day school for girls from Prep to VCE.
  • Loreto Marryatville, SA
    Loreto College Marryatville is an independent Catholic day and boarding school providing outstanding educational opportunities for girls from Reception to Year 12.
  • Loreto Nedlands, Perth, WA
    Loreto Nedlands inspires and empowers students to strive for excellence, to be of service to others and to confidently embrace life in the spirit of Mary Ward.
  • John XXIII College, Perth, WA
    A co-educational Catholic college in Perth.
  • Loreto Normanhurst, NSW
    Loreto College Normanhurst is a Catholic secondary boarding and day school for girls.
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