Loreto Normanhurst Names New Boarding House ‘McCabe House’ in Honour of Pioneer Sister
The newly named Boarding House continues a 128-year tradition of boarding at the heart of the school.
Loreto Normanhurst is delighted to announce that its new state-of-the-art Boarding House, set to open in 2026, will be named McCabe House in honour of Sister Bruno McCabe IBVM, one of the pioneering Sisters who helped establish the school in 1897.
McCabe House was chosen following a comprehensive consultation process involving members of the school community, ensuring the name reflected both the heritage and contemporary spirit of boarding at Loreto Normanhurst.
Speaking to the announcement, Loreto Normanhurst Principal, Marina Ugonotti, said:
“Sr Bruno’s story emerged as one that captured the imagination and spirit of our community in a truly special way. Her playful, loving spirit, her humble service, and her deep faith continue to inspire us all. Her life was one of quiet heroism – marked not by public accolades but by daily acts of love and sacrifice that shaped the lives of countless students and Sisters.”
Born in 1845 in County Longford, Ireland, Sr Bruno McCabe accompanied Loreto foundress, Mother Gonzaga Barry to Australia in 1875, helping establish Loreto communities across Ballarat, Randwick, North Sydney, and what was then and in what was then known as Hornsby, now Normanhurst.
Known for her practical care, devotion, and gentle humour, Sr Bruno was central to boarding life at Normanhurst. From preparing her famous Loreto Brown Bread to overseeing daily routines and ensuring the wellbeing of boarders, her service and presence created a nurturing environment that continues to inspire the school today.
McCabe House celebrated its topping out in September 2025 and will feature four levels of flexible communal and learning spaces, designed for sustainability and wellbeing, providing a modern, nurturing home for 216 boarders from 2026 onward.
-ENDS-
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 School 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 will welcome boarding students to their new home in the 2026 school year.
Shannon Muscolino
