Heads of House

Cowan House

It excites me each time I write a Cowan newsletter article because it means we are one step closer.  The writing is on the wall. Our Cowan banner now hangs proudly at reception and during Chapel services. In a way, the Cowan blue is swirling, and it is starting to feel real.

For me, one thing that will drive our success is our connection to our motto: Upholding Integrity. But what does that actually mean?

It is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles, with values in all things even when no one is watching. 

It means being honest and true to yourself, even when it is inconvenient. But the part that sticks with me: when no one is watching. That is where our true power lies. That is where culture is built. This is Cowan House. 

Members of Cowan House will uphold integrity by living the values we believe in, not just when it is easy or visible, but always. That is the standard. That is our voice. Our strength will not be in our size but in our voice and in our actions, both in and out of the spotlight. It will be in the way we lift others up, own our choices, and represent something greater than ourselves.

This is more than a motto. It is a challenge, a compass, and a call to action. Stay tuned. The game is about to change!

Mr Adam Edwards

Head of Cowan House

Gandhi House

Term Three has been very busy with House events, and the Gandhi students have performed amazingly across them all.  Our most recent events, the Battle of the Bands and House Choir, continued this sentiment with brilliant performances across both competitions. The standard of these competitions continues to rise each year, so congratulations to Mandela House for taking out this year’s win.

The Gandhi Battle of the Bands team performed an incredible medley of 90s rock songs. With five amazing singers and 15 members of the band, it certainly was a team effort to take out second place. Thank you to all 20 students for their time and effort to bring together this amazing performance. It took many out-of-school hours – the dedication and commitment of these students with their music was exceptional.

We also had our inaugural House Choir competition, with nearly 20 Gandhi students coming together to sing three ‘fire’ themed songs. These students also gave up a great deal of their time before and after school to practice for this performance. Thank you to all who signed up to be a part of the inaugural House Choir. It was a memorable performance, and we are very lucky to have some exceptionally talented musicians in Gandhi House, helping us take home second place. Lastly, our House quizzes have been running during PCG across the Term. Currently, we have a fierce battle between G2, G3 and G9 as we enter the last two weeks of the competition. Good luck to all the PCGs.

Miss Amy Perejmibida

Head of Gandhi House

Lincoln House

The last few weeks have been a buzz of activity in our new campus at 441 Murray Street. House Week was once again incredibly close with all Houses taking wins in each of our events – the House quizzes, Table Tennis Tournament, and Mario Kart. This, of course, resulted in a draw, which would leave Battle of the Bands one of the last big opportunities to take the House Cup.

Our band and choir practiced before and after school every day of the week leading up to the event, and while we did not take away first place this time, I could not be prouder of the effort and determination shown by our Lincoln students. As always, I would like to thank all of our students who participated or came and supported our House on the night, from our Year 7 and 8 students who have shown so much enthusiasm and House spirit, our budding leaders in Year 9 and 10, and to our Year 11 and 12s who have shown their dedication and commitment time and time again. 

Mandela Charity Day will be our final event for the term. As always, they will be running the annual talent show, and I encourage our students to sign up and participate in the festivities of the day!

With the House Cup being so close, the final result will probably be determined by House Tokens and Commendations. I encourage all Lincoln Students to strive for their best, to be awarded House tokens and to fill the Lincoln House Jar at both campuses. Go Lincoln!

Mr Vincent Lim

Head of Lincoln House

Mandela House

A huge congratulations to the Mandela Band & Choir, who were crowned champions at this year’s Battle of the Bands. Our students put in countless hours of practice leading up to the event, and their hard work truly paid off. Their performance was filled with passion, energy, and enthusiasm, captivating a fantastic audience on the night. A special thank you also goes to the students who helped organise and support the team behind the scenes, it was a real team effort and a moment of great pride for Mandela House.

Looking ahead, the end of Week 8 marks the countdown to one of the most anticipated events of the year, Mandela Charity Day. With only two weeks to go, excitement is already building! While some traditions will remain the same, this year’s Charity Day will also bring a few fresh twists.

The much-loved Mandela Talent Show will once again give students the chance to showcase their creativity and skills – thank you to all those who have signed up to perform. Our PCG stalls will also be returning, with students selling delicious treats and goodies, so make sure you bring cash to support your PCG and enjoy what is on offer. On top of that, we are thrilled to introduce some brand-new experiences: a lively Silent Disco and a fun Photo Booth for students to enjoy with their friends.

And of course, no Charity Day would be complete without a sausage sizzle! Don’t forget to pre-order a hot dog or two HERE.

This year, all funds raised will be donated to the Stephen Michael Foundation, supporting their incredible work in empowering young people in our community. Charity Day is always a highlight on the Mandela calendar, and I am confident that this year will be no different.

Mr Conrad Sloan

Head of Mandela House