Here stands Gibraltar’s oldest school still in operation the Loreto Convent School. Since 1873 the Loreto Convent School has occupied this site. For 137 years nuns of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary have run a school here.
The Loreto Convent School is a dynamic school. It produces well-educated girls and boys. They are prepared to meet life’s challenges.
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Loreto Convent’s presence. Local historian Richard Garcia has detailed its rich history.
Once a boarding school the Loreto Convent School is now a day school. Some pupils still come from Spain. Their parents choose the Loreto Convent School for their education. This speaks volumes for the school’s standards and ethos.
If the founders returned they would be surprised by the nursery. It was created in 1980 near the end of the closed frontier with Spain. It originally catered to three and four-year-olds. Demand led to expansion of the pre-school nursery’s age range.
The founders would also be pleased that key values remain unchanged. These include tolerance discipline and caring for others. The school remains vibrant and pupils exude happiness. They are pleased to be part of the Loreto Convent School community.
From the start the Loreto Convent School adopted the “conscience clause”. This means that pupils of other religions are welcome. They are not obliged to attend religious education classes. Many Anglican and Jewish families sent their children here. They were delighted with the results.
At its heart the Loreto Convent School is a Catholic school. It was created as such in 1845 when the first Loreto nuns arrived. First Holy Communions and Confirmations in the school chapel create happy memories. These will be treasured for life.
It is not all work at the Loreto Convent School. Sport and music are essential parts of the curriculum. Before Covid-19 Sports Day and the Swimming Gala were highlights. The Christmas Concerts and plays were also very popular. The choir has developed many fine voices. Extra-curricular activities like the chess club are encouraged.
Many remember the Mission Day sale of work fondly. The Loreto Convent School supports those less fortunate.
The Headteacher Mrs Napoli and her staff faced challenges in 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic brought restrictions. They learned to cope with online tuition and parent meetings. Major celebrations for the 175th anniversary were abandoned.
The Loreto Convent School is forward-looking. It is equipped with up-to-date technology. Classrooms have smart boards and 3-D printers. The staff help pupils become aware of pressing issues. They learn about protecting the environment countering pollution and sustainability. These are fundamental matters for young minds.
If the first nuns saw the school today they would be greatly pleased. They would see how the small beginnings of 1845 have blossomed. The Loreto Convent School continues to thrive today.
The first Loreto Nuns arrived in Gibraltar on December 16 1845. They opened two schools for Gibraltarian girls. One was a fee-paying school at Don Place. The other was for poorer children at 50 Governor’s Street. Both quickly attracted many pupils.
The party of five nuns was escorted by Bishop Henry Hughes. They were Mother Angela Kelly Sister Vincent Clinch Sister Seraphia Rorke Sister Placida Byrne and Sister Josephine Underhill. The eldest nun was just 28 years old.
The nuns taught in several schools over the years. The Irish Christian Brothers catered for the boys.
The Loreto Nuns were given the Freedom of the City in 2005. They were the first women to receive this honor. The spirit of those early nuns lives on in the Loreto Convent School at Europa Road. It continues to thrive.