Our Boarding School has long been known as 'the heart of our community.' This statement rang particularly true during transitions to and from remote learning in 2020, when our boarders were placed at the centre of decisions that took into special consideration their learning and wellbeing.

For starters, the active fostering of resilience and adaptability in our students as early as Year 5 made for a smooth transition to 'FACE Online,' the virtual plan for remote learning. 

Students were able to remain engaged across all aspects of our FACE (Faith, Academic, Community, Extra-curricular) Curriculum, providing a well-rounded, balanced experience – from coming together for midday reflections, to taking part in fun challenges and activities from the Sport department. We worked closely with all families, in particular our boarder families in isolated or remote areas, to ensure that everyone had access to all resources.

Ms Marina Ugonotti

Features of FACE Online included the continuation of one-on-one pastoral check-ins between students and tutors, Boarding House activities and clear and constant communications with students, staff, parents, alumnae and other community members.

While FACE Online proved a successful reimagining of the Loreto Normanhurst Student Growth Model, we knew how important it was to our tight-knit boarding community that we prioritised a return to face-to-face learning.

In an interview with the Australian Financial Review, Ms Ugonotti emphasised the hard work done by boarding staff to ensure students could return to the Boarding School as soon as it was safe to do so. The blessing of our spacious grounds allowed us to meet social distancing restrictions, and our expert staff community made for the quick adaption of policies and procedures. 

The pandemic emphasised the strength of our community – whether together onsite or apart. We have compassionate, adaptable and innovate people at Loreto Normanhurst, who possess an incredible community spirit and a love for their school.

Ms Marina Ugonotti

Ms Ugonotti recently appeared in the Australian Financial Review feature about the impact of the pandemic on boarding schools in Australia. For those with access, you can find Marina's reflection on the importance of collaboration, planning and flexibility via this link.