With permission, we were fortunate to imaginatively recreate this creative work and each school has designed their skirt to honour the local First Nations people with whom they have contact and interaction. Another band in the skirt shows the Architectural features that make each school recognisable. The next band celebrates people from the past and present and finally there was a free choice as to what appeared near the pleated waistline.

The habits on our Sisters are similar to the ones worn by Mother Gonzaga and her nine companions. The veil is distinctly ‘Loreto’ with its fishtail pleats at the back, the white guimpe with 5 ties, the cuffs and the traditional forehead band. The front of the skirts does not meet – symbolically leaving room for the future to be imagined.

On each skirt and running down the length are the row of goodly pearls, line drawings of a feature of each school, separated by a pearl with the name and year of foundation. Mother Gonzaga desired always that her students be connected, never thinking one foundation was better than the other and recognising each would bring unique gifts to the whole. 

As you click on the skirts for each school community, where you can hear or read a description of the skirt created by the artists and designers in each place.

The description will take you from the hemline (a tribute to the local First Nations people of the area) to the pleated waistline via two more bands showcasing architecture, activities and achievements. The detail present in each band will be explained along with the reason for its inclusion.

Enjoy discovering the hidden signs and symbols that bring alive the diverse community in each place.