HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
In my role as Loreto Education Officer, I am in touch with each of our Loreto schools on a regular basis in the course of the year, and I attend all kinds of meetings and enjoy a variety of visits. I am informed at the Governors’ meetings, uplifted at the Masses and services, thoroughly entertained at the concerts and shows, – and, whatever the occasion, I am always warmly welcomed.
There is one rather different occasion, however, which year on year stands out above the rest. This is the annual Loreto Induction for members of staff who joined one of our Loreto schools at the beginning of the autumn term or in recent years. It takes place in November at the Bar Convent in York and includes an overnight stay at a nearby hotel. (Being a group of approximately 50 it would not be possible for all of us to have accommodation in the Bar Convent).
By November the new members of staff have begun to find their way around their school and have already learnt a great deal about the Loreto ethos and about Mary Ward, the inspirational woman who is the foundress of the IBVM congregation and who, over 400 years after her death, continues to inspire Loreto staff and students throughout the world. This means they have a foundation to build on and they can spend their all-too-short time together at the Bar Convent widening their understanding of the Loreto philosophy of education and exploring the values that were so dear to Mary Ward and which Loreto schools embrace.
The venue is an attraction in itself. York is such a beautiful city and the Bar Convent a significant place for all Mary Ward schools. Apart from the input from the Loreto Heads/Principal, Sr Patricia Goodstadt, Maureen Mee, Sr Kathryn Keigher and myself, we offer visits to St Thomas’ Church in Osbaldwick where the tombstone of Mary Ward is laid into the inside wall; a tour of the magnificent York Minster and a visit to the newly-furbished and interactive Heritage Centre within the Bar Convent itself.
After each of our Inductions we ask those attending to make a simple evaluation of the experience. Without fail we hear about the value of meeting members of staff from other Loreto schools; the realisation that there are Loreto schools throughout the world; the deepening of their understanding of Christ’s mission, Mary Ward and Loreto education; how they can incorporate the values into their everyday teaching – and last – or maybe first! – the wonderful meals!
And what do I get out of it? Well, I always leave the conference with a spring in my step because I have been working with a group of such enthusiastic, dedicated people who have thrown themselves into the experience, who really do want to grow in an understanding of what is at the heart of Loreto education and who, through their own skills, creativity and generosity, will enrich the lives of each of their students and inspire them to do great things in the future. I am always grateful, too, for the strong foundation laid by all the Loreto sisters in the past who spent their lives furthering the education of young people over many years. We are certainly reaping the benefits of their vision and hard work now.
By the time I am walking from the Bar Convent with all the gathered-up bits and pieces I brought for the meeting I have completely forgotten all the hard work that went into the preparation of the Induction and I think about booking the venue for the following year!
Sr Bernadette Turtle – Loreto Education Officer
