Lowanna College

Mini School Updates

Junior School Update

Welcome

The Junior School Team would like to welcome our new Year 7 students and families to the college and welcome back our returning Year 8 students and families. We are looking forward to working with our students and families throughout 2025. 

 

Junior School Team

The Junior School Team are here to support our students throughout 2025. Introducing: 

 

Kristy Bannister - Junior School Leader 

Joe Licciardello - Year 7 Coordinator 

Ishy Lewis - Year 8 Coordinator 

Harry Pace - Student Support Officer

Lachlan Carpenter - Student Support Officer

Linda Lowrie - Student Support Officer

Deanna Korab - Administration 

 

Year 7 Welcome BBQ

Last week we welcomed our Year 7 students and their families to the college for a BBQ dinner. It was great to meet families and answer questions in an informal environment. 

 

Year 7 Camp

A reminder that Year 7 Camp is this week, between Wednesday 19 February and Friday 21 February.  Staff are looking forward to getting to know students outside of the classroom. Year 7 Camp is also a fantastic opportunity for students to get to know each other and make friends. 

 

Year 8 Gumbuya World excursion

We are excited to be holding a Year 8 excursion on Friday the 28th of February to Gumbuya World. Please complete consent and payment online via Compass by Tuesday the 18th of February.

 

Students who do not attend the excursion are required to attend school as we will be offering an alternative timetable.

 

Students are required to bring the following:

Bathers

Towel

Sunscreen

Food 

Drinks

Change of clothes

 

If you have any questions, please contact the Junior School.

 

Year 7 Immunisations

Immunisations will be at the college on Thursday the 27th of March. Information about upcoming immunisations is available on Compass. Please be advised that consent forms need to be completed online by Tuesday the 25th of March.  

 

College Values

We would like to take this opportunity to remind students of the college values - Respect, Integrity, Determination, Growth and Excellence. Students are expected to display the college values in all aspects of their learning, from the classroom to the yard to excursions offsite.

 

Coming to class prepared

A reminder that students need to attend class with all of their equipment, ready to learn. Student learning is paramount, and students need to ensure that they are using all of their time in class wisely. Students need to make sure they are taking their laptop, books and pens with them to each class. If students need support with this, please contact the Junior School. 

 

Thank you

The Junior School would like to thank our students and families for a positive start to 2025. If you have any questions or if we can better support you and your student, please contact the Junior School on 5127 9240. 

 

The Junior School Team

Middle School Update 

It has been a great start to 2025 in the Middle School with most of the students settling straight into the classes they had already started last year in Headstart. We had our first Middle School Assembly on Tuesday the 11th of February, with students receiving information about the Deb Ball, Work Experience and other exciting things we have planned for the year. We also had a chance to remind students about the phone policy, our RIDGE values and awards as well as how our Middle School motto this year is to ‘Strive for Excellence’.

 

As a new Middle School Leader, I am excited to have met many of the students already and have been getting involved in all the opportunities Lowanna has for its students. I have also met many parents and guardians as we re-engage with families and students, so I thank you all for being so welcoming and helpful!

 

I would like to congratulate the following students who have been nominated as our Middle School Leaders:

 

Year 9

Ciara Burgess

Shayla Smith

Blake Andrews

Ben Skinner

 

Year 10

Zekiya Glibanovic 

Connie Pryor

Jake Keily

Aiden Foy 

 

Middle School Team

Sarah Longden - Middle School Leader

Jason Sands - Year 9 Coordinator

Kathy Quinn - Year 10 Coordinator  

Andrew Berquez - Student Support Officer

Andrea Coad - Administration 

 

Important Dates (more information to follow):

  • Year 10 Work Experience June 2nd – June 6th
  • Debutante Ball (September - TBC) 
  • Gold Coast Yr 9 & 10 Camp in November (subject to School Council approval)

Sarah Longden

Middle School Leader

Senior School Update 

A warm welcome to our new Year 11 students! As you begin this important stage of your education, we look forward to seeing you demonstrate maturity and dedication as you set your sights on your goals. Now is the time to establish strong study habits, take advantage of every learning opportunity and put yourselves in the best possible position to achieve your dreams beyond school.

 

As we settle into the school year, I want to take a moment to congratulate all our students on a positive and productive start. It has been fantastic to see students engaging in their learning, setting goals and embracing the opportunities that come with a new year. Your enthusiasm and dedication set the tone for what promises to be a successful year ahead.

 

It has also been great to see our Year 12 students wearing their uniform items and looking so great in them. Wearing the uniform with pride reflects the commitment and leadership expected of our senior students.

 

With Term 1 now well underway, it is essential to establish good habits that will help you stay on top of your studies. Success doesn’t happen by chance; it requires effort, organisation and a proactive approach. Here are some key actions you can take to keep yourself on track:

  • Stay Organised: Use a planner or digital calendar to track due dates and commitments. Regularly review your schedule to ensure you are managing your time effectively.
  • Engage in Class: Active participation in lessons helps reinforce learning and ensures you fully understand the content being covered.
  • Complete Homework and Assignments on Time: Consistency is key. Make a habit of completing tasks promptly rather than leaving them to the last minute.
  • Ask for Help When Needed: If you are struggling with a concept, reach out to your teachers or classmates for clarification. Support is always available; you just need to ask.
  • Maintain a Healthy Balance: Prioritise rest, exercise and relaxation alongside your studies to ensure you remain motivated and focused.

To further support your learning, we encourage Year 11 and Year 12 students to take advantage of the after-school study sessions held in A4 on Monday and Wednesday (3.00pm – 4.15pm). These sessions provide a great opportunity to form study groups, catch up on work and seek assistance from staff in a supportive environment. Making use of this resource can help you stay on top of your studies and reinforce your understanding of key concepts.

 

One of the highlights of the start of the year has been the Year 12 Aspire Day at Gumbuya World. This event was a fantastic opportunity for our senior students to take a well-deserved break, strengthen their connections with peers and teachers and start their final year of school with a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The day was filled with thrilling rides, water slides and, most importantly, a spirit of unity among our Year 12 students as they embark on this important chapter of their education.

 

As we continue through the term, I encourage all students to remain committed to their learning and to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Whether you are in Year 7, just starting your journey at Lowanna College, or in Year 12 preparing for your final exams, the effort you put in now will shape your success in the future.

 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to staff or the Senior School Team if they have any questions or require support. The Senior School team includes Ashlee Flahavin (Year 11 Coordinator), Bianca Treverton (Year 12 Coordinator), Nicole Taylor (Senior School Leader), Kara Murfett (Student Support Officer), Hannah Matthews (Student Support Officer) and Julie Jeffrey (Administration). 

 

We also request that all absences are communicated with the College either via the Compass app or by contacting Julie Jeffrey on 5127 9243.

 

Keep up the fantastic work - let’s make 2025 a year to remember!        

                 

Nicole Taylor

Senior School Leader