College Updates
Lowanna College
Child Safety Standards
Lowanna College is committed to ensuring a child safe environment for all students. Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm. Our students and families are important in this process and we welcome your feedback and ideas on ways we can improve our approach to child safety and wellbeing.
These documents are available on our website. We have recently reviewed some of these policies at School Council, with parent representatives and student leaders.
We have recently reviewed a number of our child safety practices and continue to strengthen our commitment to child safety through the following actions:
All staff participate in child safety training at the beginning of each year, with new staff receiving this training as part of their induction.
Staff have been informed of the Four Critical Actions for Schools and their responsibilities to identify, respond to and report concerns relating to child abuse.
Staff are regularly briefed on the Victorian Child Safe Standards to ensure child safety remains a central focus of our daily practice and decision-making.
Staff expectations, including communication protocols and professional conduct and behaviour requirements, have been updated, discussed during staff briefings and incorporated into the staff handbook.
Student empowerment is supported through the Student Representative Council, with a continued emphasis on strengthening student voice and participation.
Students have been actively informed that they have the right to be safe, to be heard and to be protected from abuse. Information promoting student safety and available support pathways has been communicated across the school, via Compass and posters in prominent areas, to help students understand their rights and how to seek assistance if needed.
Child safety is a shared responsibility. We welcome any feedback, questions or suggestions regarding our child safety policies, procedures and practices. Please contact the school on 03 5127 9200 if you would like to discuss any aspect of child safety and wellbeing further.
Thunderstorm Asthma – be prepared this pollen season
Grass pollen season in Victoria usually runs from October to December. During this time, asthma and hay fever symptoms can get worse. There is also an increased risk of thunderstorm asthma.
Ten years ago, Melbourne experienced the largest thunderstorm asthma event in the world. Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden and serious. It can be life-threatening, especially if a person’s asthma or hay fever is not well controlled.
Lowanna College will have measures to keep our school community safe.
Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid. We will monitor VicEmergency for thunderstorm asthma warnings. When needed, we will keep students indoors if the weather forecast shows a higher risk.
Managing asthma and allergies matters. During this pollen season, there are some things you can do to protect yourself and your family:
- If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan and to make sure symptoms are well controlled.
- If your child has hay fever, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about a hay fever plan and check if you need an asthma reliever puffer.
- If your child has a cough or wheeze with hay fever, talk to your doctor to make sure they don’t also have asthma.
- Take asthma medication as directed by your doctor, as the good control of symptoms can prevent thunderstorm asthma.
- Follow the VicEmergency website or app. Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms – especially during the winds that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.
- Know asthma first aid. If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use a blue asthma reliever puffer.
Find out more
For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also:
- speak with an asthma educator on 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462). This is a free service from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
- refer to Better Health Channel. This includes information in different languages.
Debutante Ball
At the end of last term our Year 10 students participated in the Debutante Ball. It was a wonderful night for the school community to gather with families and will no doubt be the highlight of the year for many students (and staff). Thank you to Kim Boyce and Megan Nelson for coordinating the Deb Ball.
Arts and Music Update
LIA Visual Art Portraits
Check out the final artwork from our LIA Visual Arts students following their interviews with some local nursing home residents earlier this year.
LIA Textiles
LIA students created the Monster textile sculptures in collaboration with Newborough East Primary School (NEPs).
Art and Music Showcase
On Wednesday night our students performed at the Arts and Music Showcase. Guests enjoyed a variety of performances and had a chance to marvel at some of our students' artwork upon arrival. Well done to the students who performed and whose art was displayed and thank you to the families, students, staff and community members who attended.
Instrumental Music applications for 2027 are now open!
In addition to the classroom music program at Lowanna College, tuition is available for many musical instruments for an administrative fee (approximately $50 per semester, per instrument). Once a student has been accepted into the program, payment must be made.
Please complete the below form if you would like to have instrumental music lessons next year and please contact the Music Team for further information.
Term 4 Assembly
Earlier this term our School Captains facilitated their final assembly. During the assembly we awarded our SuperCoach and Footy Tipping Competition winners, enjoyed two musical performances by Year 12 students Kayla and Madie and listened to the speeches from our 2027 School Captain applicants (they all did a wonderful job)!
Thank you to our 2026 School Captains
The college would like to acknowledge and thank our 2026 School Captains - Madie, Zane, Aiden and Layna. We would like to thank them for their leadership this year and we wish them all the best for their future.
2027 School Captains
Congratulations to Jake, Emma, Connie and Stevie who have been selected as our 2027 School Captains.
Science Update
Year 9 Science
Ms. Calderwood's Science students having fun in class (pictured below), from forensics work to combustion experiments.
Bee Incursion
Recently our Year 9 Ag Studies students were lucky to have Bill Ringin and Linda Neave volunteer their time to teach our students all about the importance of plant fertilisation using bees and butterflies which optimises fruiting and/or seed production. Students (and staff) were also able to taste some local honey!!
Chicks at the college
Our Year 9 and 10 Ag Studies students welcomed some chicks to the college last week who have been donated by Ingham's in Pakenham. Students will learn ethical care of chicks and what it takes to keep them healthy throughout the term.
Technology Update
Students have been busy in the technology rooms this term.
VCE VM Mock Interviews
The Year 11 students recently took part in our annual Mock Interview Day, providing them with a valuable opportunity to experience a professional interview environment and prepare for life beyond school.
The day allowed students to put their employability skills into practice, develop their confidence and learn how to communicate their strengths, experiences and future goals. From preparing their resumes and cover letters to dressing professionally and answering interview questions, students gained practical experience that will benefit them as they begin exploring future career and employment opportunities.
We were incredibly proud of the professionalism, dedication and maturity demonstrated by our students throughout the day. It was fantastic to see so many students step outside their comfort zones, embrace the experience and give their best effort during their first mock interview.
A huge thank you to our wonderful volunteer panel members: David, Trent, Trish, Andrea, Max, Patt, Julie, Anthony, Lorraine and Jacob. Your time, expertise and willingness to support our students made the day possible. Opportunities like these help us provide the best education and real-world experiences our students deserve and we are extremely grateful for your contribution.
Congratulations to all our Year 11 students who attended, dressed professionally and completed their first mock interview. You should be proud of what you achieved!
A big step towards a brighter future!
Year 11 OED Camp - Cathedral Ranges
Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Studies students recently took on the challenge of the Cathedral Ranges, completing a demanding hike that tested their physical endurance, resilience and determination.
Mr. Hooper was incredibly proud of every student and the way they approached the challenge. The hike was difficult and pushed everyone outside their comfort zone, but the students showed great perseverance, supported one another and embraced the experience. It was a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, teamwork and resilience while experiencing the challenges of the outdoors.
The hike also provided students with the chance to appreciate the incredible beauty of the Cathedral Ranges. Along the way, students were treated to sightings of native wildlife, including lyrebirds, and had the opportunity to discover the fascinating nests of bowerbirds. These moments helped bring their Outdoor and Environmental Studies learning to life and highlighted the importance of protecting and appreciating our natural environments.
Back at camp, students enjoyed the refreshing freshwater river that flowed nearby, providing the perfect place to cool off, relax and spend time together after a challenging day on the trails.
The camp was a memorable experience filled with adventure, stunning scenery and personal achievement.
A big thank you to Alisha and Archie who attended and helped on the camp.
Trulli Pizza Excursion
Earlier this term our Year 8 Italian students had an exciting day at Trulli in Meeniyan, where they had the opportunity to make homemade pizza. Students had a wonderful day and the pizza looked 'trulli' delicious.
Year 12 Final Assembly
Last week our students and staff celebrated our Year 12 students with a final assembly where they were all presented with a certicate and had the honour of wearing a graduation cap to signify the end of their formal schooling. Congratulations to all of our Year 12 students.
Year 12 Celebration Day
Last week our Year 12 students celebrated 13-years of schooling with a breakfast, dress up parade, laser tag and slip'n'slide. It was a wonderful day to celebrate the end of their schooling.
For the students completing exams, we wish you all the best as you prepare. For the students who have completed their coursework and are not undertaking exams, we wish you all the best for whatever your future holds.
What is Activities Week?
Activities Week is offered to Year 7-9 students after Headstart Week and commences on Monday 7 December until Wednesday 16 December, with an alternative program being offered on Thursday 17 December and Friday 18 December. The Activities Week Program offers students with the opportunity to participate in a range of games and activities and a few offsite excursions (opt in). Students are expected to attend Activities Week.
The Activities Week schedule will be published to families later this term via Compass.
Activities Week - WynCity Excursion
We are excited to advise that there is a WynCity excursion that will be running on Friday 11 December as part of the Activities Week Program. Payment and consent are now open and can be made via Compass. This excursion has limited capacity so if you want to attend, we suggest booking as soon as possible.
AFLX Nationals
Earlier this week, Lowanna students attended the AFL-X Nationals Competition. We had 8 teams entered - three boys U16s, one girls U16s, one girls U14s and three boys U14s. The U16s boys made the semi-finals against Catholic College Sale but lost 72-58. The U14s boys made the Grand Final but lost to Palm Beach Currumbin SHS in a close game of 50-63. Our U14s girls made the Grand Final against Palm Beach Currumbin (who they lost to on Tuesday by 0-48). Expecting a difficult game, the girls played outstandingly and represented the school with respect, teamwork and integrity and they won the Grand Final by 10 points - 54-44. It was a whole team effort to win the game and each player had a standout moment.
We would like to thank Allan Chandler who organised the event, Tahni and Heath who organised the behind scenes administration, our coaches (Farms, Scotty, Scott and Emily) and to all the support staff including Alisha and Deanna. We can't have great sporting events like this without great supporting staff - thank you!
School Bus Update
Bus Applications
We continue to have high numbers on our school buses and it is important that new travellers complete a School Bus Application form to be added to our bus rolls. This includes; new 2027 Year 7 students, new students in any year level, if you have moved and changed address or if a sibling already travels - all of the above examples require a new bus application form.
Should you require a form, please contact the Bus Coordinator or General Office.
School Bus Passes
School Bus Passes are required for students to travel on our school buses. If a student has misplaced their pass, please contact the Bus Coordinator or General Office. There is a $10 fee for a replacement card that can be paid in cash or via a call to the General Office on 03 5127 9200 (to pay by card).
New 2027 Year 7 students will have their new passes sent in the post in early December, ready for the new year.
Public Transport
The public transport option continues to work well and in 2027, our train travellers in Years 10-12 will continue to utilise public transport for all their travel, with our Years 7-9 train travellers having access to the school buses with bus passes.
Contact
Should you have any queries about school buses, please contact Mel Magnuson (Bus Coordinator) on 03 5127 9200 or lowanna.co@education.vic.gov.au.