Principal's Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
The holidays seem a distant memory as we move quickly through Term 3. It has been wonderful to see students engaging positively in their learning, extracurricular activities and the many opportunities available across the College. Our focus remains on creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Celebrating Student Achievement
In Week 6, we will celebrate the achievements of students who excelled in NAPLAN at our term assembly. The assembly is being held later than usual due to industrial action, work experience and sporting commitments.
Students are also eagerly anticipating the Lowanna Institute of the Arts production of The Little Mermaid JR. and will enjoy a special sneak preview during the assembly.
Building Positive Learning Environments
Our Year 7 and 8 Behaviour Improvement Plan (BIP) continues to show positive results. Through structured classroom supports, including seating plans, we are strengthening engagement and creating more consistent learning environments.
We also continue to deliver School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS) mini lessons during home groups. These lessons reinforce positive behaviours, resilience, respect and responsibility, while helping students develop a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
Attendance Matters
We are pleased to announce Rachel Smithson as our new Careers Teacher. Rachel will also support our Year 8 attendance program by working closely with students and families to set goals and remove barriers to attendance.
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success and wellbeing. School provides far more than academic learning. It offers opportunities to develop friendships, build confidence, participate in sport, the arts and leadership programs, and connect with the wider school community.
Even small amounts of absence can have a significant impact. Missing just one day per fortnight can equate to approximately four weeks of learning across a school year. Every day counts and we encourage families to contact us if their child is experiencing difficulties attending school.
Book Week - Week 7
We look forward to celebrating Book Week in Week 7. Book Week promotes a love of reading and highlights the importance of literacy in supporting learning across all areas of the curriculum. Through stories, students develop vocabulary, imagination, empathy and critical thinking skills while discovering the joy that reading can bring.
Student-Free Day - 21 August
On 21 August, staff will participate in professional learning with Bron Ryrie Jones, a highly respected education consultant, speaker and author.
Bron will support staff in strengthening their understanding of responsive teaching and effective classroom practice. This work will contribute to the development of a consistent instructional approach across Lowanna College and further enhance student learning outcomes.
Safety and Respect
The safety and wellbeing of our students remain our highest priority. We are committed to ensuring every student feels safe, respected and supported, and we appreciate the ongoing partnership of families in promoting a positive school culture. We ask families to support both their child and the College by reinforcing the importance of remaining on site throughout the school day unless a parent or carer has signed them out through the appropriate process.
Thank you to our students, families and staff for your continued support and commitment to our school community.
Every day at school is an opportunity to learn, grow, connect and succeed.
Yours sincerely,
Bernadette Cropper
Acting Principal