Social Justice

Justice, as Mary Ward describes it, involves personal integrity based on harmonious relationship with God, with other people and with the whole of creation. It is expressed in “works of Justice”, in active participation in the struggle to bring about such harmony.

"Women in time to come will do much." - Mary Ward

For four hundred years we have been educating women as leaders of tomorrow. To do this successfully we challenge all students

"To act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with their God." - Micah 6: 3-5

At Loreto, students are brought to an acceptance of the inherent dignity of every person. In this context, stereotypes, prevailing social structures and uses of power which might conflict with this belief are closely scrutinized. Students are invited to challenge injustices where they are seen to exist and to rise above the limitations that others might impose upon them, so that they might work towards just outcomes in all that they do.

Freedom, empathy, personal integrity, compassion, courage and the capacity to reflect upon one's actions are seen as critical skills to nurture and develop in our students as they grow to become the leaders of tomorrow. To develop in them an ability to discriminate amongst conflicting claims and perceptions in the world and to discern the deeper truths in their lives is essential. There is no glory in leadership but rather leadership is seen as an opportunity to serve the needs of others.

Because a vigorous belief in the capacity and responsibility of women to contribute significantly to society and to the church underpins all that we do, opportunities for leadership development at Loreto are boundless. Not only are they intrinsic to our entire educational program but they exist in all our extra curricular endeavours as well. Our commitment to Social Justice and Community Service Programs is seen as being critical in the formation of women who are both just and generous in their service of others.