Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
Our New Boarding School
A lively home away from home containing a variety of spaces that set the stage for the rhythms of boarding life.
Drawing on our 125-year history of boarding education, we are proud to channel our rich boarding legacy into a new forward-thinking facility equipped to meet the diverse needs of the contemporary boarding community. This innovative space will be located on Mount Pleasant Avenue, and will span four levels, cascading down the slope beside the gymnasium. It will have an outlook across the oval and to the bush beyond.
The new purpose-built Boarding School will deliver increased student accommodation, flexible communal spaces, updated accommodation for boarding staff and will reflect the school’s vision to create a modern, accessible and ecologically sustainable home for boarding students. Its design will enrich the friendships, educational opportunities and experiences available to students and all members of our community.
We anticipate the Boarding School will open in 2025.
See plans for our new Home away from Home
Creating a new home for our boarders
As we boldly look to the future, we know that what has been right for boarding for the last 125 years, may not be for the next 125 years. Our new state-of-the-art Boarding School has been designed with the needs of current and future Loreto boarders in mind and ensures we can continue on our mission to shape women for our times.
Marina Ugonotti, Loreto Normanhurst Principal
Bedroom & Living Spaces
The new Boarding School will have accommodation for over 200 boarding students. there will be a variety of room configurations from 6-bed dorms for younger boarders, and 2-bed and single rooms for senior students.
Each room will allow for generous, secure storage. The bathroom facilities will be shared and will be plentiful, modern and new.
Common Spaces
The new Boarding School will provide specifically designed spaces for boarding students to learn, to chill, to gather in small and large groups and with their friends and families. It will structurally encourage a safe, supportive environment ideal for growth with spaces that foster connection amongst year groups, and within houses, which form the basis of our Pastoral Care model.
We have looked to incorporate technology in a sympathetic way to equip our students for a connected future, without impacting on their precious down-time.
Connect Spaces
Connect spaces such as The Arbour will be a welcoming communal lounge incorporating a fire place, shared dining/study table, pool table and an opening to the the BBQ terrace. The Arbour will overlook a garden area with seats for girls to sit together or for group outdoor learning
Gather Spaces
Gather spaces will include The Terrace, The Village Steps dining and common area, which can be used as individual or small group areas or for gathering the whole boarding community for meals and other activities. During the school day, the dining room will welcome day and boarding students to a new cafeteria.
Chill Spaces
Chill spaces including The Village Lounge will be a space to relax with friends, providing a homely feel. By contrast, The Nest will be a more lively common zone. There will also be cooking facilities to allow boarders to prepare a quick snack, or cook a batch of biscuits together after school. Year 12 boarders will also have their own retreat.
Spaces for the whole Community
The expanded facilities will position areas of the Boarding School as a resource for everyone in the school. Much in the same way that you would invite friends over to your home, there will be designated areas of the grounds and building where we can extend the hospitality that is intrinsic to our boarding community to all staff and students including alumnae, past parents and friends.
A large dining room will be incorporated into the new build to allow all boarders to eat together
and, during the school day, will welcome day and boarding students to a new cafeteria.
Both indoor and outdoor communal spaces will be available to the broader community as teaching and learning spaces including a Year 12 study hub, outdoor teaching areas and choir rehearsal spaces.
The residential and dining facilities will also be used for school holiday and sports camps.
The repurposing of our Heritage 1897 building and the surrounding buildings which make up our current Boarding School, will be repurposed to create flexible teaching and learning spaces to support innovation in our curriculum,
as well as for collaboration, recreation and staff spaces in our Secondary school.
This is one other way in which the construction of a new Boarding School will enhance the education opportunities for all students.
Support Us
The 30-year Master Plan aims to improve access, movement and spatial relationships throughout the school, both addressing the school’s future growth and honouring our tradition and values.
We invite you to contribute to the future of our students and our community. You may like to donate to the Building Fund to support our Master Plan, including the development of our new Boarding School.