Lowanna College

Mini School Updates

Junior School Update

ArtVo and Ice-skating

As part of the Year 8 Alternative Camp Program this term, students enjoyed an exciting day at Docklands. The day included a visit to ArtVo, where students explored incredible optical illusions, followed by a fun and active ice-skating session. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to connect and enjoy a unique experience together.

 

Semester Reports

A reminder that Semester Reports will be available on Compass at the end of the week. These reports are a valuable tool to help understand your child’s progress. We encourage all families to sit down together, reflect on the term and celebrate the successes—both big and small.

 

College Values – Term 3 Focus: Excellence

Our focus in the Junior School next term is Excellence. The start of a new term provides a fresh opportunity for students to reset, set new goals and return to school motivated to achieve their personal best. We look forward to seeing students striving for greatness in all areas of school life.

 

Back-to-School Supplies Reminder

As we prepare for Term 3, now is a good time to check that your child has everything they need to be ready to learn. Please ensure students are equipped with:

  • Pens and pencils
  • Workbooks
  • Textbooks
  • Laptop and charger

2026 Sports Academy Trials

In Week 6, we welcomed enthusiastic Grade 6 students to the college for the 2026 Sports Academy Trials. The energy on the day was electric, with students giving it their all in hopes of securing a spot in the program. It was fantastic to see such determination and talent on display.

 

Enjoy the Break!

We wish all our students and families a relaxing and well-earned break. Stay safe, recharge and we look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for Term 3!

 

The Junior School Team

Mrs Bannister, Mr Licciardello, Ms Lewis, Harry, Linda, Lachy and Deanna 

Middle School Update 

Well done to all of our Year 10 students on completing their exams for English, Maths, Science and Humanities. All students who attended worked hard and showed organisation regarding study. It was fantastic to see the responsibility shown by students who needed to re-arrange or make up an exam too – it is really setting them up for success in future years and their own high expectations. 

 

In other news, we have been working hard as a Middle School to keep our toilets cleaner and in a better state. Students need to use their own I.D. card to enter the toilets (or come to borrow a spare card in the Middle School) so we can better monitor and track the space. Thank you to the students who are reporting damage to the toilets, groups congregating in there or junior students in the space. We have all agreed that they are our toilets to use as Middle School and our responsibility to look after. 

 

A number of students have requested to swap electives and subjects for Semester 2 – these changes are now complete with many subjects full. Students are excited to try new subjects and meet some new people around the college. 

 

All of the successful applicants for the Gold Coast Camp should have received a letter in the post – congratulations. If any future spots open up, we will call home. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to be part of and to create future memories. 

 

In other fun news, the Deb Ball rehearsals start next term for many of our Year 10 students. This is a wonderful chance for the students to get to know each other and show their maturity – as well as show off their dancing skills! 

 

Finally, from all of us in the Middle School, we hope everyone has a wonderful and well-deserved break. We also wish the best of luck to our SSO, Hannah, who is leaving for an exciting new chapter of her life working in the UK! 

 

The Middle School Team

Ms Longden, Ms Quinn, Ms Coad, Andrew, Hannah and Xavier

Senior School Update 

It’s hard to believe we are already at the halfway mark of the school year. As Term 2 draws to a close, both students and staff are undoubtedly looking forward to a well-earned break.

 

On Tuesday 17 June, all Year 12 Vocational Major students, along with every VCE student and any Year 11 student enrolled in a Unit 3 and 4 subject, completed the GAT. All students sat Section A in the morning, which assesses literacy and numeracy against national standards. These results will appear on each student’s Statement of Results later in the year and offer an indication of their readiness for future pathways. Section B was completed in the afternoon and assesses general knowledge and skills across a range of disciplines including maths, science, the humanities and the arts. As in previous years, GAT results will be used to support the calculation of Derived Examination Scores in cases where a student’s exam performance is impacted by illness, personal trauma or unforeseen circumstances. The GAT also contributes to the moderation of school-based and external assessments, so we thank students for their efforts and encourage them to continue striving for their personal best in all aspects of their learning.

 

On Friday 20 June, we celebrated the end of exams with our Senior School Formal at Turfside Function Centre. The evening was a wonderful success, with students and staff enjoying the chance to relax, socialise and dance the night away. The photobooth was a particular highlight, with many students capturing great memories from what was a very special night.

 

Last week, all Year 11 and 12 students officially commenced their Unit 2 and Unit 4 studies. We were pleased with the way students approached their mid-year exams, which took place from 13 to 19 June. These assessments provided an excellent opportunity for students to evaluate their learning progress, refine their study strategies and experience formal examination conditions. The feedback students receive from these assessments is most meaningful when paired with self-reflection. We encourage all students to consider which revision strategies were most effective, where improvements can be made and to use this feedback to identify any knowledge gaps needing further attention.

 

Students are reminded that they can take responsibility for their ongoing progress by seeking assistance from their teachers, asking clarifying questions in class or requesting additional practice tasks to consolidate their understanding. Viewing feedback through the lens of growth and development supports a mindset focused on continuous improvement rather than fixed ability. These exams are not an endpoint, but a step in each student’s academic journey.

 

This Friday, we will farewell one of our valued Student Support Officers, Hannah Matthews, as she embarks on an exciting international adventure to live and work in the United Kingdom. We are incredibly grateful for the care and dedication Hannah has shown in her work with students throughout Semester 1. Her calm, compassionate approach and commitment to student wellbeing has made a meaningful impact on many within our school community. We wish her all the very best for this next chapter and hope she enjoys everything the UK has to offer.

 

Semester 1 Reports will be available to families in the final week of term. These reports provide an opportunity to recognise achievements and set goals for Semester 2. We encourage all students and families to take the time to review the feedback carefully and consider how learning behaviours, effort and engagement can continue to develop.

 

At Lowanna, Respect is a core school value, and we continue to promote the expectation that all students uphold this value in their interactions—both in person and online. We teach our students that we show respect when we:

  • Listen
  • Communicate politely
  • Follow instructions
  • Care for others
  • Care for property

We thank families for working in partnership with us to help our students uphold these expectations and values.

 

We also remind students and families that mobile phones must be secured in lockers between the first and last bell, in line with Lowanna College and Department of Education policy. Earbuds should not be worn to class or used during lessons, as they interfere with engagement in the classroom, learning and communication. We ask for your continued support in reinforcing these expectations to ensure a calm and focused learning environment.

 

Early next term, subject selection processes will begin for our current Year 11 students as they begin preparing for their transition into Year 12. Our 2026 Year 11 cohort will also have the opportunity to explore the subject and pathway options available to them through the VCE Information Evening, student assemblies and course counselling conversations.

 

Thank you to our entire school community for your ongoing support across the first half of 2025. We wish all staff and students a safe, restful and enjoyable break and look forward to a productive and successful second semester, beginning Monday 21 July.

 

The Senior School Team

Nicole Taylor, Ashlee Flahavin, Bianca Treverton, Kara Murfett, Hannah Matthews and Julie Jeffrey