Milford's Loreto Community School to celebrate 60-year milestone

Loreto Community School, Milford, will celebrate a very special milestone this Saturday, 26th September, when past and present members of the school community gather to mark 60 years since the school first opened its doors.

The celebrations also recognise 30 years since the school became a Community School and 20 years since the present school building opened.

The school has a long and proud history in Milford, beginning in 1966 when the Loreto Sisters had the vision and foresight to establish a secondary school in the area, providing much-needed access to secondary education for young people in this rural part of Donegal.

Since those early days, thousands of young people have passed through the school, supported and encouraged by generations of teachers, SNAs, ancillary staff, Boards of Management and the wider school community.

The anniversary celebration will bring together former pupils, staff, Loreto Sisters, former principals and deputy principals, Board members and members of the wider community. It will be an opportunity to remember those who helped shape the school over the past six decades, to reconnect with old friends and to celebrate the many friendships and memories made along the way.

Principal Margaret O’Connor, who herself attended Loreto as a student and has served on the school staff for many years, said the anniversary was an opportunity to look back with gratitude while also looking forward with hope.

“Buildings change, and places change, but the heart of a school is found in its people and in the relationships that are formed there. The memories we carry are often connected not just to the classrooms and corridors, but to the people we walked alongside in them.

“We are very conscious that we stand on the shoulders of the Loreto Sisters who, 60 years ago, had the vision to establish a school here in Milford. Their commitment helped to open up opportunities for generations of young people, and their values continue to influence our school community today.

“This anniversary is about remembering, reconnecting and celebrating. It is about giving thanks for all those who have contributed to the story of our school and looking with hope towards the next chapter.”

There is a warm and open invitation to all former students and staff, and to anyone who has been associated with Loreto Community School in any way over the past 60 years, to come along and be part of the celebrations. Whether their connection goes back to the early days of Loreto College, the years as a Community School, or more recent times, everyone who has been part of the school’s story is very welcome.

The afternoon of celebration will begin at 2pm with a Prayer Service, including a Service of Light reflecting on the school’s six decades, the sharing of memories and an opportunity for former pupils and staff to reconnect.

As part of the celebrations, there will also be an opportunity to browse and enjoy the school’s archives and extensive collection of photographs from the past 60 years. These will offer a chance to revisit familiar faces, places and occasions, and perhaps to spot a few memories — and people — that have been tucked away for many years.

As Loreto Community School celebrates 60 years, the school community looks forward to welcoming back many familiar faces and celebrating a shared history that continues to connect generations of the Milford community.