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Loreto Normanhurst offers AIEF Scholarships for boarding students.
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.
Since 2004, we have supported the development of our students through the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model, which emphasises a profound understanding of our society. This model nurtures the holistic growth of our students, encouraging them to cultivate positive relationships and contribute to their local and global communities. Our curriculum has evolved to develop in all our students an understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories and communities through experiences, education, and relationships.
In 2023, our Year 9 and 10 students participated in life-changing immersion experiences that equipped them with the skills needed to support and care for their country. Our Year 9 ‘Outreach’ program places a strong focus on spiritual formation, community living, and independence, coupled with community service placements. Travelling to Far North Queensland, students engage in two weeks of immersive outdoor learning, walking alongside and caring for country. Working closely with Indigenous communities, our students spend time in communities, schools, and nursing facilities. Building on their experiences from Year 9, our Year 10 cohort embarked on an ‘On Country’ journey, answering the call to visit the Homelands of others to deepen their understanding of Australia’s First Nations Peoples, their culture and spirituality.
Led by Traditional Owners, these immersions allow our students to gain a lived experience of what they learn in the classroom. Our goal at Loreto Normanhurst has always been to encourage interpersonal relationships and offer students a firsthand appreciation of the challenges and wonders faced by isolated Indigenous communities. These experiences foster a deep understanding of the profound relationship between culture, language, people, and Country. Students return to school with an enriched awareness of how Australia’s Indigenous heritage continues to influence contemporary living for Aboriginal people.
Our First Nations students have shown unwavering dedication to their learning and the Loreto Normanhurst community throughout the year. At the School’s Annual Music Festival, Year 12 student Maddison and Year 11 student Lillianna led a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country Dance, setting a touching tone for the Music Festival celebrations, which are cherished by our students and their families. Additionally, our First Nations students led the School through memorable activities such as Reconciliation, PCYC activities, NAIDOC Week Celebrations, and the continued development of our Bushtucker Garden.
During NAIDOC Week, 2020 alumna Sarah shared the story of her journey, talking about the importance of pursuing your dreams and using the support provided to you at School. Sarah inspired our current students with her resilience in overcoming challenges. Students also engaged in weaving lessons and showcased their hand-crafted jewellery throughout the term.
Our school’s strategic vision, purpose, and values continue to shape our growth and the development of a diverse community of young women, who grow in empathy for others, build dialogue by sharing perspective and story, and are prepared to contribute to a future Australia and inter-connected world. We continue to seek out opportunities to enhance understanding and collaboration, so that as a community, we are culturally sensitive and better educated about Indigenous issues. We aim to drive authenticity and action in the area of justice for First Nations peoples.
In 2023, encounters with Aunty Tracey, a local Elder, have strengthened our bonds within the community. Aunty Tracey’s wisdom has deepened our understanding of the land on which we gather and the unique attributes of our landowners. She has shared specific locations and the history of the surrounding area, igniting our curiosity to explore more of our traditional sites.
For the past three years, our school has proudly engaged in the Waratah Project, generously sponsored by a grant from the Association of Independent Schools NSW. This project has enabled us to develop targeted initiatives to enhance community engagement, literacy, and wellbeing. Engagement with local Elders has enhanced our teachers’ cultural competence and informed perspectives on the curriculum in relation to Australia’s First Nations Peoples. We have actively sought to amplify the voices of our Indigenous students, including them in discussions and decision-making processes.
Through our valued partnership with AIEF, our students have been granted numerous opportunities to thrive in a welcoming and supportive environment. We take great pride in our First Nations students at Loreto Normanhurst and look forward to continuing our collaboration with AIEF in 2024.
Your investment will help more Indigenous students access world-class education and careers.
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Being part of the AIEF Mentor Program has given me the opportunity to mentor and guide a student with great potential. It’s really encouraging to know that my student appreciates the support and I’m looking forward to being there to watch him grow from strength to strength.
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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