By ANNA USHER

Loreto Kirribilli has sent home almost an entire year group after a long running tradition caused minor property damage and “placed students and staff at risk”.

Principal Dr Nicole Archard ordered 130 Year 12 girls to undertake private study at home until Thursday 18 September. Roughly 20 students were not involved.

In a letter to parents, Dr Archard wrote:

“I am writing to inform you that a large number of Year 12 students were sent home from school today due to behaviour that was unsafe, disrespectful, and not in keeping with the values of our Loreto community,” a letter sent to parents from Dr Archard said.

“Collectively, their actions placed students and staff at risk, caused damage to property, and disrupted the learning environment. Such behaviour is taken very seriously, as it undermines the respectful, safe, and caring culture we strive to maintain at Loreto Kirribilli.”

Mosman Collective understands the incident involved a so-called “blackout” – an unauthorised school tradition where leavers party in a darkened room with loud music.

No one was injured, but a toilet will need to be replaced.

The “rave” began in the Year 12 common room but moved to the Senior bathrooms once teachers intervened. Students had hoped to beat a “Loreto record” set by a previous year group, which managed 22 minutes before being stopped by staff.

This year’s cohort is believed to have lasted just 13 minutes before being dispersed.

One parent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the punishment as unreasonable and harsh.

“This end-of-school event has been going on for years and not one student has ever been punished until now. So, instead of ending on a high, the girls and their families will be made to feel uncomfortable at their last official school event.”

“It is beyond ridiculous that Loreto Kirribilli has treated the girls in this way.”

The $35,000-a-year independent Catholic school also punished the girls further, by preventing them from attending a scheduled alumni lunch.

Dr Archard urged parents to discuss the matter with their daughters:

“We ask that you take the opportunity to discuss this incident with your daughter and reinforce the importance of personal responsibility, respect for self and others, and care for our school environment,” Dr Archard said.

It is understood all Year 12’s will attend the graduation ceremony on Friday.

Loreto Kirribilli did not respond to a request for comment.