150 Years of Loreto Education: A Legacy of Empowering Girls Celebrated Through National Exhibition at Loreto Normanhurst
As part of the national celebration of 150 years of Loreto education in Australia, Loreto Normanhurst will host the Travelling Exhibition, Being Faithful to Grace, during its tour of Loreto schools across the country — honouring the legacy and enduring impact of this remarkable tradition in empowering generations of girls.
As part of the nationwide 150th anniversary celebrations of Loreto education in Australia, Loreto Normanhurst will welcome the 150 Years of Loreto in Australia Travelling Exhibition, Being Faithful to Grace.
This inspiring exhibition has been developed in collaboration with all Loreto schools across Australia and pays tribute to Mother Gonzaga Barry ibvm and the nine pioneering Sisters who established the first Loreto school in Ballarat in 1875.
The exhibition will launch with a special evening event at the college on Friday, 23rd May from 6:00pm. Guests will enjoy an exclusive first look at the exhibition's immersive storytelling and live performances.
Curated by Sr Sandra Perrett ibvm (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary), the Travelling Exhibition will tour Loreto schools nationwide throughout 2025, celebrating the spirit, values, and achievements of Loreto education over the past 150 years.
Exhibition Highlights include:
- Treasures from the Loreto Archives, including photographs, letters, and artefacts from Loreto’s 150-year history in Australia.
- Live performance of Serious Business – a compelling retelling of Sr Veronica Bardy’s play that chronicles the arrival and leadership of Mother Gonzaga Barry.
- Striking 2.3m mannequins with intricate, symbolic skirts crafted by Loreto and associated schools, featuring themes such as First Nations culture, community icons, and architectural landmarks.
- Interactive installations exploring Loreto’s foundational values and educational mission across time.
Principal of Loreto Normanhurst, Marina Ugonotti, shares her excitement about hosting the exhibition and reflects on the lasting influence of Mother Gonzaga Barry’s educational vision:
"The 150 Years of Loreto exhibition is an exciting and meaningful occasion for our school community. It allows us to celebrate not only our rich history but also the ongoing impact of the Loreto values on generations of girls. As we honour the pioneering women who shaped our legacy, we are reminded of the enduring importance of Verity, Justice, Sincerity, Freedom, and Felicity in our educational journey."
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the Travelling Exhibition at Loreto Normanhurst. Mother Gonzaga Barry’s vision and leadership has had a profound impact on Catholic education in Australia, in a very short time, she established kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, preparation for university, etiquette classes, and teacher training — all to realise the full potential she saw in every student.”
“She was determined that a Loreto education would produce well-informed women of faith and integrity, committed to making a positive difference in whatever field they chose, while also consciously assisting those experiencing disadvantage. Today, her extraordinary educational legacy is found across Australia, fulfilling her vision that each generation would leave something on which others could build. It is both exciting and deeply meaningful for us to honour and celebrate her legacy with the community.”
Following the launch evening, the exhibition will be open to the wider community on the following dates:
- Saturday, 24 May | 10:00am–2:00pm (including a live performance of Serious Business at 11:00am)
- Monday, 26 May | 4:00pm–5:30pm
- Monday, 2 June | 7:30am–10:00am
- Tuesday, 3 June | 4:00pm–5:30pm
This extraordinary exhibition invites all members of the Loreto and broader community to celebrate a remarkable legacy of courage, education, and vision.
About Loreto Normanhurst
Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 - 12.
It offers an award-winning model of learning, an extensive extra-curricular program, a modern faith, and a strong sense of community.
With 125 years of excellence in educating girls, Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice.
Sarah Finn
