Sally Munro | Dean of Pastoral Care 

Although hectic, this time of year is always one of celebration that naturally lends itself to moments of reflection and opportunities to pause as we prepare to farewell our Year 12 students. It is not always apparent that the students themselves take such an approach as it can be challenging to be contemplative amongst the excitement of graduating and the anticipation of closing a chapter after 13 years of schooling. Nonetheless, it is an important time for our graduating students to slow down and notice the simple, yet profound moments that exist in the present and in the seemingly ordinary and everyday aspects of life.

Happiness is often found in moments of quiet observation and contemplation and just as Mary Oliver’s poem, ‘Why I Wake Early’ invites us to embrace life’s moments with mindfulness and appreciation, so too would I encourage this of our Year 12 students as they enter their final two weeks at Loreto Normanhurst. Oliver eloquently reminds us that happiness can be discovered through a heightened awareness of life's riches and kindness is also fundamental in shaping the communities of which we belong. This perspective is the foundation of a Loreto education as Mary Ward’s vision of educating young women emphasised not only academic growth but also a deep appreciation for the blessings of life. The synergy between the Loreto values and kindness and gratitude is powerful. Graduates who embrace these values inherently understand that kindness and gratitude are not standalone actions; they are part of a holistic approach to living a meaningful and purposeful life. Kindness is an embodiment of the empathy and compassion that Loreto values promote and leads us to approach both the world around us and ourselves with gentleness and understanding. As our students transition out of high school into a world of diverse perspectives, I hope they are reminded of the lessons they learnt that extend beyond academics – they include the importance of treating one another with respect, compassion and empathy. To embrace kindness means extending an understanding to those who might differ from them, and with their eyes up, to go where the need is greatest. Gratitude amplifies our experiences and enriches our perspectives, yet gratitude isn’t just about reminiscing; it is about recognising the intricate network of support that has contributed to the accomplishments, the character building and the moments of triumph and challenge. Moments of gratitude remind our graduating students that they are part of a larger community. This awareness encourages them to continue nurturing relationships, fostering connections and giving back to the community that has nurtured them.

The relationship between gratitude, kindness and happiness is profound. Gratitude shifts the focus to what we have rather than what we don’t have, kindness connects us to others in meaningful ways and happiness is the outcome of embracing both; not extravagant or fleeting happiness but rather a quiet and steady joyful response derived from connecting with experiences and each other. This synergy propels our students toward a future marked not only by personal achievements but also by the positive impact that cultivates a kinder, more compassionate world.

As we celebrate and give thanks for the contribution of Year 12 to this community, may they understand the responsibility they have to make a difference, grounded in a self-belief of their capacity to do so. Mother Gonzaga Barry IBVM reminds us that “All around you are the possibilities of doing good and making the world richer for your having lived in it.” I hope that our Year 12 graduates are open and willing to find these possibilities so that they may have the purposeful and meaningful life that we desire for them.