In honour of Mary Ward, the founder of the Loreto schools, we take part in an annual Mary Ward Week. It’s a great way to remind ourselves about where the Loreto schools come from and the power of one woman who wanted to see change in the world. This year we have a variety of activities to commemorate all that Mary Ward lived and stood for.

Every day there will be special morning prayers in honour of Mary Ward. We are also given ribbons in our religion class with a famous Mary Ward quote. By wearing it for the week we can look down and be reminded of what Mary Ward has accomplished and what we too could accomplish. On Tuesday at tutor time the students will have a Drop Everything and Meditate, the students will be given fifteen minutes of relaxing meditation to break up the stress of the school day. On Wednesday, during every class, one student will be given a Mary A-ward. This is just a little gift, given to one student, who stood out and deserves it for any reason at all, including; working hard, being polite or being helpful. On Thursday during lunch time there will be a treasure hunt, all students are welcome to take part and on Friday at lunch time there will be a Mary Ward quiz with a chance to win some prizes. The 6^th Years will be making beaded bracelets as well as angels, each bead symbolising a point in Mary Ward’s life. There will be a display of Mary Ward’s journey through life, each part of her journey told on a footprint. As well as all of this happening, there will also be famous Mary Ward quotes hung around the school all week, for the students to read during their spare time in school.

With all the effort put in by staff and students organising all the wonderful events taking place this week, Mary Ward Week 2012 is shaping up to be another exciting event in the school calendar.

Aoife Datta, Senior Reporter.