Loreto College celebrates 150 Years

FOR 150 years, Loreto College has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Ballarat.

From its humble beginnings in 1875 with just seven students to the thriving school community of more than 950 students today, this year marks a significant milestone in the rich history of Loreto College Ballarat as it celebrates 150 years.

The Loreto story began more than 400 years ago with Mary Ward, a remarkable woman of faith and influence who founded the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) in 1609, also known as the Sisters of Loreto.

Mary Ward recognised the critical difference education could make to her troubled world, especially through the care and development of faith.

Though controversial for its time, she offered girls the kind of education that would make them ‘seekers of truth and doers of justice’.

In 1875, following a request from then Bishop of Ballarat, Michael O’Connor, Mother Mary ‘Gonzaga’ Barry IBVM arrived from Ireland together with her nine companions to establish a school for girls. And so began the story of Loreto in Australia.

Loreto Convent Mary’s Mount, the first Loreto school in Australia, opened its doors on 24 September 1875 under the esteemed leadership of Mother Gonzaga Barry. Gonzaga believed that what the world needed was wise, lovable and well-educated women. She was a pioneer in creating a broad curriculum that ensured a holistic education to bring out the best in her students so they could ‘make the world a better place for having lived in it’.

Gonzaga was an exemplar for expansion and innovative change and seized the opportunity to expand Catholic education, introducing subjects and methodology not known in this country. She founded 13 schools (including kindergarten, primary and boarding schools), two teacher training colleges as well as the running of seven parish schools. She had a profound influence on those around her, urging them to ‘leave after you something on which others can build’.

Today, Loreto College Ballarat is part of a global network of more than 150 Loreto schools who share a commitment to Mary Ward’s vision and a strong belief in the education of girls.

“Mother Gonzaga Barry was being faithful to grace when she arrived in Ballarat,” said Felicity Knobel, Assistant Principal, Faith & Identity, Loreto College Ballarat.

“This is her legacy. That all her Loreto students rise ever higher, using their talents and their strengths and leaving behind something on which others can build.” As the College celebrates 150 years, the milestone is not only a commemoration of its past, but recognition of the ongoing journey of Loreto College Ballarat – a journey that continues to inspire and shape the lives of countless young women in our region.

“I cannot help but think of those brave Loreto sisters who arrived in Ballarat 150 years ago and established our college,” principal Michelle Brodrick said.

“Imagine the joy of those sisters if they could look down on us in 2025 at their legacy.”

To celebrate 150 years of Loreto College Ballarat and Loreto in Australia, the college invites you to join a series of events on Saturday 1 March.

For more information visit loreto.vic.edu.au/events .