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Loreto Normanhurst offers AIEF Scholarships for boarding students.
Loreto Normanhurst is a girls’ school in the Northern Sydney region. At Loreto Normanhurst, our core purpose is to respond to the Mission and Vision of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), which is ‘to bring the gospel to life by our own witness and by supporting the spiritual development of individuals and communities’. This purpose is the guiding light that shapes our lives, relationships, and learning.
The Loreto Normanhurst First Nations program includes 23 students, comprising day and boarding students in Years 7 to 12. The students receive support and education through pathways designed to help them attain formally recognized qualifications upon graduation. Under the guidance of Marina Ugonotti, Principal, the program seeks to enhance cultural understanding and foster a strong sense of community among all students.
Since 2005, we have embraced the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model, which fosters the holistic development of our students and encourages them to build positive relationships while actively contributing to both local and global communities. As part of this model, our curriculum has continually evolved to deepen students’ understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and communities through meaningful experiences, education, and relationships.
The First Nations Program at Loreto Normanhurst fosters Celebrating Culture and Building Connections, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and enriching educational environment that honours and celebrates the diverse cultures of our students.
As we commenced the school year with our Opening School Mass, we incorporated a Smoking Ceremony, an ancient tradition of Australia’s First Nations peoples. By including the Smoking Ceremony in our school’s opening, we honour the traditional custodians of the land and recognise the deep cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples, reinforcing our commitment to respect and inclusivity within our community.
Uncle Stuart McMinn shared his time and wisdom with the students earlier that day, guiding them through the process and explaining the importance of the smoke. His insights, drawn from the deep traditions of the First Nations people, helped foster a stronger connection to both faith and culture for our students.
This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,” invited all Australians to come together to celebrate and recognise the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As part of this celebration, Aunty Jo Clancy taught our students a special dance, which they proudly performed at our full school assembly. The dance was a tribute to Country, honouring both Father Sky and Mother Earth. By learning and sharing these movements, our students were able to connect with First Nations culture and traditions, while living off Country.
The success of our First Nations Program is grounded in its commitment to fostering strong, meaningful relationships. This year, we were proud to introduce the role of Cultural Leader for the first time, with a Year 12 Boarder taking on this important position. As the inaugural Cultural Leader at Loreto Normanhurst, the student demonstrated outstanding initiative by helping design events, activities, and discussions that deepened student engagement and enriched the program.
Our Year 9 students continue to build connections and participate in life-changing immersion experiences that equipped them with the skills needed to support and care for their country. The Year 9 ‘Outreach’ program focuses on spiritual formation, community living, and independence, paired with community service placements. Traveling to Far North Queensland, students engage in two weeks of immersive outdoor learning, walking alongside and caring for country. They work closely with Indigenous communities, spending time in schools, local communities, and nursing facilities. This experience fosters a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Nations Peoples, their culture, and spirituality.
Our school’s strategic vision, purpose, and values guide the development of a diverse community of young women who grow in empathy, engage in meaningful dialogue, and share their perspectives and stories. This foundation prepares them to contribute to the future of Australia and an interconnected world. We are continually seeking opportunities to deepen understanding and foster collaboration, ensuring our community becomes more culturally aware and educated on Indigenous issues. Our goal is to inspire authenticity and meaningful action in the pursuit of justice for First Nations peoples.
The bonds formed within this program highlight the power of community and unity. As we move forward, the First Nations Program at Loreto Normanhurst continues to celebrate Indigenous culture, shaping a future rooted in respect, understanding, and shared learning. This program, which allows students to honor their heritage while educating others, remains a cornerstone of our school’s commitment to inclusivity and reconciliation.
For the past four years, our school has proudly participated in the Waratah Project, made possible by a grant from the Association of Independent Schools NSW. This initiative has allowed us to create focused programs aimed at strengthening community engagement, literacy, and well-being. Collaboration with local Elders has enriched our teachers’ cultural competence and shaped our curriculum to better reflect Australia’s First Nations Peoples. We have made a concerted effort to amplify the voices of our Indigenous students, involving them in key discussions and decision-making processes.
Our valued partnership with AIEF has provided our students with numerous opportunities to flourish in a nurturing and supportive environment. We are incredibly proud of our First Nations students at Loreto Normanhurst and eagerly anticipate continuing our collaboration with AIEF in 2025.
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Going through boarding school taught me how to step out of my comfort zone and allowed me to become more confident in who I am.
Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
Suite 2A, Level 2
2-12 Foveaux Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
T (02) 8373 8000
F (02) 8373 8001
info@aief.com.au
www.aief.com.au
ABN 13 127 908 187
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