Mini School Updates 

Middle School 

With the end of the year fast approaching, there is certainly no slowing down in Middle School! From camps and careers conversations to exams and preparations for 2027, there is plenty happening across Years 9 and 10. Here are some important updates and reminders as we head into the final weeks of Term 4.

Queensland Camp – We're Off on Monday!

The countdown is officially on! Our 50 students and 5 staff are heading off to camp on Monday and we hope they have a fantastic experience.

Camp is a wonderful opportunity to step outside comfort zones, strengthen friendships, develop independence and create lasting memories. We encourage everyone attending to get involved, have a go at everything and make the most of the experience. We can’t wait to see the photos of rollercoasters and sunshine! 

A huge thank you to the staff who have organised the camp and those giving up their time to attend.

Have fun, look after one another and enjoy every minute!

Morrisby Interviews – Planning for the Future

This week, our Year 9 students participated in their Morrisby interviews, exploring their strengths, interests and potential future pathways. The conversations were incredibly insightful and encouraged students to consider the many possibilities available to them beyond school. 

A big thank you to our Careers Team for coordinating the interviews and to the students for their maturity, curiosity and thoughtful engagement throughout the process.

Preparing for 2027 – Headstart Week

Preparations for next year are already underway! Our whole school Headstart Week will run from Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December (Week 9).

During this week, students will begin their 2027 subjects, meet their new teachers and experience the learning and expectations ahead. Headstart provides an opportunity to establish positive routines and build confidence before the new school year begins. Our Year 10 students will transition to Senior School and begin the next step of their learning journey. 

Exams – Important Dates

As we approach the end of the academic year, students will be preparing for their examinations:

• Year 10 Exams: Week 8 for English, Maths, Humanities and Science
• Year 9 Exam (Maths): Tentatively scheduled for Thursday 26 November

Further details regarding examination schedules and expectations will be communicated closer to the dates.

We encourage students to begin revising early and seek support from their teachers where needed. Exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate learning while developing the organisation and study skills needed for senior school.

Student Safety – Staying on School Grounds

Students are required to remain on school grounds throughout the school day unless they have parent/guardian permission to leave.

Those who leave without permission will receive a formal warning letter for a first offence, with any subsequent incident resulting in a suspension.

This expectation is in place to ensure student safety and we appreciate families reinforcing this message at home.  

Toilet Access – Looking After Our Facilities

To ensure our toilet facilities remain safe, clean and appropriately used, access continues to be managed during class time. Students who need to use the toilet while facilities are locked can attend the Middle School Office, where staff will arrange access.

We expect all students to treat these shared spaces respectfully, report damage and leave facilities in a condition they would be happy to find them.

Locker Areas – Let's Keep Them Clean!

We have bins conveniently located throughout our locker areas, yet we are still finding rubbish, food scraps and unnecessary mess being left behind.

These are shared spaces used every day and keeping them clean is everyone's responsibility. The expectation is simple: if you bring it in, put it in the bin!

Mobile Phones and AirPods – Locked Away!

A reminder that mobile phones and AirPods must be switched off and securely locked away in lockers throughout the school day, including at recess and lunchtime. Students should not have these devices on them during school hours. This helps maintain a focused learning environment and encourages positive social interactions. 

We appreciate families supporting this expectation. Please note that this is in line with previous Compass communications. 

Finishing the Year Strong

With only a few weeks remaining, we encourage all Middle School students to maintain their focus, make positive choices and take pride in their efforts.

There is still plenty to achieve before the end of the year and we look forward to seeing our students finish 2026 on a high!

Thank you to our families and staff for your ongoing support of our Middle School community.

Sarah Longden

Middle School Leader

Senior School

As the school year draws to a close, we congratulate our Year 12 VCE and VCE-VM students on reaching this significant milestone. Having completed their classes in Week 3, students were recognised at a Graduation Assembly attended by the wider college community. The assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on their journey at Lowanna, celebrate their achievements and share their aspirations beyond school. Celebration Day offered a fitting conclusion to their school experience, with students taking part in a range of activities, including a much-enjoyed costume parade.

With the VCE examination period underway, our Year 12 students are approaching the final stage of their secondary education. We look forward to coming together at the Graduation Evening on Friday 20 November to acknowledge their hard work, growth and accomplishments. As they prepare to move into further study, employment and other exciting opportunities, we wish them all the very best. We hope that their time at Lowanna has equipped them with a strong foundation of knowledge, valuable life skills and the confidence to embrace future challenges and opportunities.

Our Year 11 students are also working towards an important transition, completing their Unit 2 coursework and assessments ahead of their end-of-year examinations in Weeks 7 and 8. This period is an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding, strengthen their study habits and develop the independence required for the academic demands of Year 12.

We are pleased to announce that Jake Keily, Connie Pryor, Emma Rudy and Stevie Zeva have been selected as our 2027 College Captains. These students have demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the college community and take on the responsibilities of student leadership. We also acknowledge every student who put themselves forward for this opportunity. The quality of nominations was outstanding and we commend all candidates for the confidence and commitment they demonstrated in presenting their ideas and aspirations for the college to an audience of more than 1,000 people.

Looking ahead, the Headstart Program will run from 30 November to 4 December, supporting students as they prepare for the next stage of their education. During this time, students will have the opportunity to connect with their new teachers and peers, explore their selected subjects and develop a clearer understanding of the learning ahead. Headstart is also an important opportunity to review subject selections and raise any questions or concerns with teachers or the Senior School Team, helping students begin the new school year feeling informed, supported and ready to succeed.

Angela Hanley

Senior School Leader