Loreto Normanhurst Marks Next Milestone with Boarding House Topping Out Ceremony Ahead of the 2026 Opening
The state-of-the-art facility blends modern design with Loreto Normanhurst’s rich heritage and advances the School’s 30-Year Master Plan.
Loreto Normanhurst celebrated a significant milestone in its 30-Year Master Plan with a Topping Out Ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Boarding House on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
The ceremony marked the near completion of the purpose-built facility, which is set to open in 2026 and accommodate 216 students.
The event brought together members of the Loreto Normanhurst community alongside those behind the forward-thinking design and delivery of the Boarding House, including construction partners Buildcorp, AJ&C Architects and project management firm, Carmichael Tompkins Property Group (CTPG).
Guests witnessed the topping out moment, symbolising the highest point of the building’s construction. As part of the tradition, Loreto Normanhurst was presented with a tree from Buildcorp to mark the occasion, a gesture that forms an important element of the ceremony’s ritual.
Speaking at the event, Loreto Normanhurst Principal, Marina Ugonotti reflected on the meaning of this milestone:
“Today’s ceremony is another important milestone in what was once just a dream. Ritual and celebration are part of how we mark time at Loreto Normanhurst, and this ‘topping out’ connects us to both ancient traditions and to our own heritage. The tree we celebrate today reminds us of Mother Gonzaga Barry’s vision for schools to be places of growth - ever reaching, ever strong, and rooted in love. Very soon, this Boarding House will become a home for generations of young women who will grow in integrity, hope and love.”
The new Boarding House has been designed with contemporary, flexible spaces that reflect the evolving needs of students. Its forward-thinking design includes collaborative learning hubs and inviting common areas, marking a new era in boarding that nurtures independence, creativity, and meaningful connections among students.
Sustainability has been central to the project, with ecologically responsible building practices ensuring the facility meets the highest environmental standards.
Beyond its facilities, the Boarding House will continue Loreto’s tradition of providing a home away from home. A place that strengthens friendships, enriches learning, and deepens the sense of community that defines a Loreto Normanhurst education.
The new Boarding House forms part of Phase 1 of Loreto Normanhurst’s 30-Year Master Plan, which began in 2022. Most recently, the school announced the launch of Phase 2, which will deliver new Technologies and Music precincts, expanded general learning spaces, and repurposed heritage buildings.
These next-stage developments will ensure the campus continues to meet the needs of future learners, while maintaining strong connections to Loreto’s heritage and values.
For more information on Loreto Normanhurst’s 30-Year Master Plan, please visit here.
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 128 years of excellence in educating girls, Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice.
About the Loreto Normanhurst Boarding House and Master Plan
The information below pertains to the school’s 30-Year Master Plan (2017-2047) and construction of the new Boarding House as part of Stage 1 development of the Master Plan.
- A concept plan is approved to guide the development of the school out to 2047. The concept plan outlines potential pockets of development to help us build our community and foster the curiosity, creativity, joy, and sense of belonging that ultimately propels our students into their futures as ‘seekers of truth and instruments of justice’ over the next 25 years.
- The proposed $130 million redevelopment concept plan will guide several key building projects and other works as part of the school’s development out until 2047.
- Stage 1 of the concept plan is the only CONFIRMED development. Stage 1 allows for upgrade of traffic management and parking works, which have been completed, and for the construction of a new Boarding House.
- The purpose-built Loreto Normanhurst Boarding House will deliver student accommodation for 216 boarders, flexible communal spaces and reflect the school’s vision to create a modern, ecologically sustainable home for students.
- The new Boarding House will comprise of four levels.
- The Loreto Normanhurst Boarding House commenced construction in 2024 and is set to be completed in 2026, welcoming boarding students to their new home in the 2026 school year.
Sarah Finn
