Community
Grand Opening - St Eugene's Retreat Centre
Have you been wondering what's happening at the previous Lavalla Catholic College Campus in Newborough? St Eugene's Retreat Centre is a Retreat and Conference Centre which is focused on educating environmental and sustainable practices by utilising the 20 acres of bushland located on the property. St Eugene's is available for bookings of school camps, team building days, corporate functions and other retreats. If you would like to attend the grand opening, please RSVP (details on poster below) for catering purposes.
Dolly's Dream Fundraiser
Two of our Year 12 students, Kayla Xerri and Madeline Howlett, are raising funds for Dolly's Dream which is a foundation committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide. A message from the girls is below:
Hi everyone! We are Kayla Xerri and Madeline Howlett and we are walking in March to raise money for the Dolly’s Dream organisation. We are doing this to show that people need to speak up and advocate for others who are being bullied or are struggling. Our main goal is to show everyone in our community, whether that be inside of school or out, that it is okay to speak up no matter how old you are, where you come from or your financial status. We are walking to show our support to an amazing foundation that has saved many lives and has promoted awareness around the world. Our hopes are to raise $2,000 for the Dolly’s Dream organisation so they can use the money for resources to teach children and adults about mental health and suicide awareness.
If you would like to support Kayla and Madeline, click the below link to donate.
To find out more, visit the below website:
Free Public Transport in Victoria
Everyone under 18 years old is eligible for a Youth myki card ($5) to enjoy FREE public transport. For more information click below:
https://transport.vic.gov.au/.../campa.../travel-freeeeeeeee
How to support your child under 16 with the new social media age restrictions
Dear parents/guardians,
From 10 December 2025, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 will require social media platforms to:
- prevent children and young people under 16 from having a social media account.
- deactivate or freeze existing accounts held by people under 16.
Delaying access to social media protects the health and wellbeing of young people and gives them extra time to build real world connections and digital literacy skills.
The responsibility will be on the social media platforms, not parents, carers, children or schools, to implement these new restrictions.
Most popular social media platforms will be age restricted. These include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and YouTube.
Messaging services and online games, as well as apps and platforms that support health and education, can still be used.
How to help under 16s prepare for the change
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online.
To help get under 16s ready for the social media minimum age requirements, you can go to the eSafety website to learn more about the social media age restrictions and find tips on how to talk about social media age restrictions with young people.
We Are Hiring
Join Our Lowanna College Canteen & Café Team!
We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic and reliable casual staff to join our school canteen and café team!
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, providing friendly customer service and being part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
Experience is a bonus but not essential — the right attitude goes a long way! Drop off your resume at the General Office between 8:00am and 4:00pm.
Back-to-school online safety essentials
Click the below link to find out more about how we can make our online community safer for all. The eSafety schools' hub | eSafety Commissioner
Emergency Relief Brochure
Please find attached the updated Emergency Relief Brochure from Latrobe City Council.
Latrobe City - February Events
2026 Young Women in Aerospace & Defence Program Applications
Applications are now open for the 2026 Young Women in Aerospace & Defence program - a free, four-day STEM program for girls in Years 7–12, delivered at RMIT during the Victorian school holidays.
The program provides students with hands-on aerospace and defence STEM experiences, industry visits and direct engagement with engineers and scientists.
Applications close 15 March! The application form can be found below: https://forms.gle/yKxWgKBvZyvC3MhAA
Farm World 2026
This year, Farm World will be on Thursday 26th, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th of March at Lardner Park.
Youth Activities Expo - Mid Valley
📅 Thursday 19th February 🕑 3pm to 6pm
📅 Friday 20th February 🕑 3pm to 6pm
📅 Saturday 21st February 🕑 11am to 2pm
📍 Located in Mid Valley’s Centre Court
The Expo brings together a range of local clubs and community groups that support children’s learning, wellbeing and after-school adventures.
Families will have the opportunity to explore different programs and speak directly with activity providers.
West Gippy Dads
West Gippy Dads is a grassroots group supporting dads, step-dads, grandads and father figures across West Gippsland. Our goal is simple: to create safe, welcoming spaces where men in parenting roles can connect, reduce isolation and build supportive friendships within their local community.
We host relaxed catch-ups such as coffee meet ups, park playdates, breakfasts and occasional family events. There is no cost, no formal commitment and no expectations — just opportunities for connection and community.
We know that when parents feel supported and connected, children benefit too. Stronger community networks help families feel more confident, supported and engaged, which has a positive flow-on effect for student wellbeing.
Newborough FNC Family Day
Newborough Bulldogs - Meet the Coach
Youth of the Year - Lion's Club
The Lions Club of Trafalgar would like to invite senior students to participate in our Youth of the Year contest, which is designed to help students develop their skills in self-promotion and presentation, interviewing, resume writing as well as networking opportunities with likeminded enterprising students.
Our initial Club round of the contest will be held in Trafalgar on the evening of March 4th, so entries will need to be received as soon as possible. The winner will progress to the District Final (also in Trafalgar) to be held on Sunday 19th April, the State final will be held on Saturday 2nd May and the National Final on 22nd May.
World Scout Jamboree - Fundraiser for Year 8 student Rory
See attached for more information on Rory's fundraiser.
Monash Soccer Club
SESF Scholarships Now Open
SESF supports young athletes aged 10 to 18 years old, whose financial circumstances would preclude them from otherwise participating at representative level for their state or Australia at national and international championships.
To find out more about eligibility, FAQs and to apply, please click below.
Application - Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund
Latrobe City Libraries
Did you know that Latrobe City Libraries offer a whole range of events and activities to our local community? See attached information on the After School Reading Club and Kids Connect.
Singing Lessons
