The Mary Ward Connect Exchange Programme 2018

Mary Ward Connect is an exchange between Year 10 students from a number of Loreto schools in Australia which was first conducted in 2009. In the early days, 36 students from each school travelled across Australia; a logistical challenge for those involved! In this tenth anniversary of the exchange, during March, fifteen students from Marryatville travelled; eight to Loreto Toorak in Melbourne and seven to Loreto Kirribilli in Sydney for four days. Meanwhile, the visit was reciprocated, with Toorak and Kirribilli students visiting Marryatville.

Loreto Connect – visiting Toorak

When the travellers to Loreto Toorak arrived at their destination, they couldn’t wait to meet their ‘host sisters’. They connected with them immediately, and all agree they will cherish these new friendships for years to come.

During the visit, they joined their host sisters for the lessons they had. They found that while their schools had many similarities, there were also many differences, including the layout of the timetable and the electives available. They gave presentations to the Year Tens and Year Sevens, talked about their own school and showed a film of the facilities and activities they enjoy at Marryatville.

The girls visited Loreto Ballarat and could see both the heritage and modern features of the Ballarat school, including Mother Gonzaga Barry’s grave and the very beautiful chapel. One of the best times was sharing lunch with the Loreto Coorparoo and Loreto Normanhurst girls who were hosted by Loreto Ballarat.

Experiencing the different Loreto schools highlighted the understanding that while there are different uniforms and they come from different places, they share the same strong spirit of felicity that is part of being a Loreto girl.

Words by: Year 10 Loreto College Marryatville Students, Madeleine Flapper and Isabelle Lilburn

Loreto Connect – visiting Kirribilli

The Marryatville students who travelled to Kirribilli arrived at lunch time and spent the afternoon in class with their hosts. After school, many were involved in a musical rehearsal and other extra-curricular activities.   

They were taken on a school tour, and shown a film about the school to the Year 10 and 8 students. Time spent with host families led to plans for potential visits in the future, particularly when younger sisters said they were keen to also take part in Mary Ward Connect.

The girls were then taken on a tour of the beautifully situated Kirribilli campus and for a walk over the Harbour Bridge to see the Sydney Opera House.

Attending morning mass involved singing Queen of Loreto and they gave a presentation about their school at the Junior assembly before tearful goodbyes.

Words by: Year 10 Loreto College Marryatville Student, Amelie Puglisi