Cruella (aka deputy principal Pat O’Shea) and her/his year 12 dalmations were a big hit as the school celebrated the arrival of Loreto founder Mother Gonzaga Barry to Australia.

Mr O’Shea said the feast day’s emphasis was on making sure the students had to “work” for the poor, making food and running stalls. “It’s like an old-fashioned fete and we try to get every single student involved,” he said.

The students also donated food, clothing, bedding and non-perishable goods to St Vincent de Paul for the Ballarat Winter Relief Appeal. An afternoon of fun and frivolity followed with the theme, Let Me Entertain You, featuring singers, comedians and Family Feud.

Loreto co-captains Hannah Armstrong and Eva Gillett said the day was a celebration of the students working together for the local community. “Everyone gets behind it and everyone has a chance to do something,” Eva said.