The Origins of The Mary Word
The Mary Word is a student newspaper composed, edited and designed by the students of Loreto Normanhurst.
The idea for the newspaper was conceived in 2015 by Academic Activities Captain, Polina Nesterova, as a way of giving students more of a voice and an opportunity to work as journalists. It was decided early on that the newspaper would fulfil the ecology-centred goals of the school and be delivered online. In 2017, a new official role of Design Editor was created and Gian Ellis-Gannell revitalised the platform of the newspaper, providing it with a new, user-friendly design and URL internet location.
Since 2015, the paper has moved from strength to strength and now has a professional structure that mirrors that of major newspapers.
The Mary Word team is headed by Editors-in-Chief who work alongside each other in the construction of the paper. Under these Editors-in-Chief are editors who write articles as well as inspect and check articles written by journalists before they go to publication. Currently, our editors are Jessica Ingham, Rose Cunningham, Niamh Kelleher, Eleanor Low, Camila de la Cruz, Rosemary O'Brien and Elisa Jeong.
Our Editors-in-Chief for 2023-24 are Avery Benbow, Nikie Yang and Tahlia Moses. They work collaboratively with Design Editor, Virginia Riley.
The team at The Mary Word has had members from every year group, from Year 5 to 12. They meet each week, working together to produce one to two issues of their publication per term.
The team is passionate, driven and remains committed to the original goal of the newspaper which was to give students an opportunity to have their own voice in the Loreto Normanhurst community.
How to be involved
All students from Years 5 to 12 can be involved in The Mary Word team and no experience is required. If you have an interest in writing, big ideas, or creative design, or want to develop your skill set and meet some new people, this is the place for you.
In 2024 the team will meet in Rooms 74/75 from 1:15 PM every Wednesday. You will be emailed the location before every meeting.
If you are interested in joining, send an email to Nikie Yang, Tahlia Moses, Avery Benbow, Virginia Riley or Mr Scali. The team is super friendly and all are welcome!
Past Editors-in-Chief and Design Editors of The Mary Word Student Newspaper
2015 Polina Nesterova, Therese Lynch, Regan O'Connor
2015/2016 Hope Hyatt, Anastasia Klasen, Cara Stone, Eleanor Cooper, Caterina Klasen
2016/2017 Lecquia Chang, Isabella Davey
2017/2018 Lecquia Chang, Isabella Davey. Design Editor: Gian Ellis-Gannell
2018/2019 Gian Ellis-Gannell and Nicola Rakuljic. Design Editor: Gian Ellis-Gannell
2019/2020 Gian Ellis-Gannell and Nicola Rakuljic. Design Editor: Gian Ellis-Gannell
2020/2021 Alessia Anderson, Isobel Chambers, Erin Longney. Design Editor: Olivia Holmes
2021/2022 Arabella Ahearn, Feronia Ding, Emma Frank. Design Editor: Remy Savell-McKean
2022/2023 Olivia Daly, Inara Hossain, Amy Saad. Design Editor: Anna Rabeau.
2023/2024 Avery Benbow, Tahlia Moses, Nikie Yang. Design Editor: Virginia Riley
