Principal's Update

Despite the cold and early arrival of some winter weather this term, we’ve continued to shine some light on learning and the strengths of our college. 

Our 2023 Open Day was a huge success with over 500 Grade 5/6 students attending a immersing themselves in our college. Thanks to our feeder primary schools for supporting the day, and to TRFM for adding some excitement for the students. 

Our VCE Camp was a hit with Year 11 and 12 students, as they explored a wide range of universities across Melbourne, broadening their horizons and helping them make informed decisions about their future. Thank you to the Careers Team and Senior School Team for making this event possible. 

In recent weeks we’ve acknowledged and celebrated indigenous culture with Reconciliation Week, including a smoking ceremony, barbeque event and indigenous music playing across the week. We welcomed Minister Shing to the college, who made a special visit to see our innovation in science and technology. We held our termly music soiree, our drum-making final presentation, and our careers team immersed students in a health industry tour. We’re really proud to be able to offer our students so many positive opportunities and experiences. 

Our positive reputation and supportive working environment has enabled us to weather the state-wide school-staff shortage reasonably well. We have been fortunate to continue to attract new staff to our college over the past few months, and our new additions have frequently reflected on the vibrant and positive culture at Lowanna College. It’s something we work hard at, so it’s lovely to have it noticed and reflected to us by new staff. 

Despite being in a relatively strong position, we have had a number of staff (and student) illnesses this term as the flu season kicked in, and I’d like to sincerely thank our staff for their support and commitment to our students and continuity of classes. On many occasions staff have taken classes or supervised students above their allotment in support of their colleagues, their school and ultimately our students. Casual Relief Teachers are difficult to source anywhere at the moment, and the support of our staff has been fantastic. We also value our regular Casual Relief Teachers, some of whom specifically preference our college and have become part of our community. 

We’re looking ahead to a great Senior School Formal, followed by the last two weeks of term which mark the beginning of semester two – a critical time for students to engage with new curriculum and learning, and in some cases new classes and teachers. Being the last newsletter for this term, have a great winter holiday period, and thank you for your ongoing support of the college. 

Adam Hogan.