Student voices for justice across the Loreto network

The use of one’s gifts in the service of others was clearly evident in a recent webinar for Loreto students committed to working for social justice. Entitled, ‘The Girl I Am; the Change I Lead’, this gathering saw Loreto students from across Australia share and celebrate social justice initiatives led by students in our school communities. It provided opportunities for students to share ideas, learn from one another, and encourage action for justice. Each school offered a short presentation that explained a focus issue, why it matters, the social justice activity/activities the students lead in response to the issue, what their action/s achieved and how their response/s follow/s in the footsteps of Mary Ward. The Student Social Justice Leaders from Loreto Kirribilli wrote afterwards:

“Through this, we discussed programs and campaigns across Loreto schools aimed at educating students about a range of issues, including women’s education, climate change and diverse inclusion. We gained extensive insight into how others operated their initiatives, and we have learned new ways to encourage our Loreto community to participate in social justice programs, as well as programs we could run within our own community.

We were able to have meaningful conversations on how to inspire change, inspired by Mary Ward to “be the change”. From a refugee tutoring campaign at Loreto Toorak, to period education in the younger years at Loreto College Ballarat, all initiatives were extremely inspiring and innovative. This forum allowed us to open our eyes to the different challenges Loreto girls are taking on themselves to change the status quo, while ultimately creating meaningful change.”

Madi Ngan-Vu, Jemima Seward, Lulu Warren and Isabel Seeto

Participating in that webinar was inspiring: not only because of the passion demonstrated for ‘seeking truth and doing justice’, nor simply because of the creativity and compassion being demonstrated by the student presenters. The genuine affirmation the students offered one another, and the questions they asked to better understand how they too can make a difference for others, offered great hope for our future; that the leaders of tomorrow are also motivated by respect for the dignity of others, hope and a commitment to do what they can to make a positive difference for others. They too have the courage to say yes to the challenges this world offers them.

Image caption: Loreto Kirribilli Social Justice Leaders Madi Ngan-Vu, Jemima Seward, Lulu Warren and Isabel Seeto.

Credit: Carolyn Young, Director, Mission & Identity, Loreto Ministries

Published 28 July 2026