Principals Report

As term three draws to a close, we reflect on what has been a productive and eventful period. We have received positive results in student learning, had many extra-curricular events, and made some key staffing appointments for our college.

Reading and Writing

We believe literacy is the foundation of all learning - students who can read and write well are in a much stronger position when it comes to accessing learning from all areas of the school, from science and humanities, through to technology, the Arts, health and PE. Over the course of this year we have had several staff engage in expert training to support us in a whole-school approach to literacy improvement. While work is still in its early stages, our NAPLAN results for this year were very pleasing and reaffirming for staff and students. Our results in reading and writing this year are the best results the college has had since student growth began being reported, back in 2011. A big congratulations to our staff and students - not only because this is a strong indicator our school is heading in a positive direction, but because strong reading and writing skills have a significant positive impact on our students lives.

College Events

It has been wonderful to be able to engage with our students in so many different ways over the past few weeks. The school musical, Seussical Jnr, was a great display of our students’ creative abilities, and highlighted what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and team work. I had the opportunity to see the production on two occasions and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Well done to David, Beth, Joe and the many others who supported our students over many weeks (including after-hours rehearsals) to bring it all together.

Our two Debutante Balls were a highlight of the last two weeks. Our students did a remarkable job with their dances, but for me the key is always seeing the enjoyment the students experience in such an event, and the great opportunity to bring so many of our families and community together to support our students. Thanks to Andrea, Lauren, Kerrie and the broader team for all their work in coordinating the two evenings.

Last week we ran a new format with our Grade 6 information evening, which historically had been focused solely around our laptop program. This year we titled the event ‘So you’re a secondary parent now...”. We know having a child start secondary school can be a significant milestone for both students and parents, particular for first-time parents. We therefore structured the evening to try and address all the questions and wonderings parents might have, from subjects, to book lists, uniform, laptops, the first day, the first week, and so on. It was extremely pleasing to see nearly 300 students and parents attend the evening in our auditorium, and I’d like to thank Nicole Taylor and the team for their work in making the event happen.

Junior School Leader - Term 4 and 2020.

You may be aware from previous communications that Mike Santo had some leave earlier this term where he started a family, with the arrival off a little girl. Through conversations over the past few weeks, Mike has made the decision to step down from his leadership role for the time being, as he focuses on being a husband and father. Having both of those roles myself, I can’t commend Mike enough for this decision to want to support his family as much as he can.

As a result, I have appointed Nicole Taylor (currently a Learning Specialist within our college) as Junior School Leader for Term 4 and 2020. Nicole did a remarkable job during Mike’s leave earlier this year, and I have every confidence she will provide great leadership for our students in Years 7 and 8 during her tenure.

Assistant Principal Appointments for 2020

Over the course of this term we have undertaken a selection process for two Assistant Principal positions, commencing from next year. As many of you will know, Joel Blythman was successful in obtaining the principal position at Traralgon South Primary School at the start of this term, and from recent conversations with Joel, I hear things are going well with his new adventure. Michael Lakeman will embark on one year’s sabbatical leave next year, where he will take the opportunity for a well-earned rest and spend some time travelling the world. We look forward to Michael returning in 2021.

As a result, I am pleased to announce a panel of staff and principals have appointed Fiona Milkins and Belinda Ludlow to these positions for next year. Fiona is a senior biology and physics teacher, and bring with her many years of experience as a school leader. Fiona has more recently worked with the Department of Education, supporting leadership teams across many schools to build their improvement culture and student outcomes. Belinda is a highly regarded educator with expertise in literacy and numeracy. Belinda has previous experience as an Assistant Principal and Acting Principal, achieving outstanding results in a local primary school. More recently she has worked with the Department of Education to support a range of schools to improve their literacy results, and is an expert-trainer of teachers and school leaders in the skills teaching literacy. Fiona and Belinda will be formally introduced to our college next term and will assist with some forward planning, before officially commencing their roles at the start of next year.

Administration Team

After a stellar career and significant commitment to the school and public service, we farewell Di Lincoln from our office this week. Di has been an integral part of the Lowanna Team for 29 years, and we wish her well in retirement.

Following Di’s retirement, Ashlee Johnson has been appointed to the role of Assistant Business Manager. Many families will know Ashlee from her previous work in the Student Administration role, and we look forward to what she will bring to this new role in the college.

Finally, thank you to all of our students, teachers, support staff, parents and community for the ongoing support of, and commitment to, our college. There is a strong feeling of pride in our college that I sense has been long-standing. It has been great to be able to build on that pride with some strong improvements this year, and to have some of this work validated through growing results for our students; results which ultimately enable our students to access more opportunities and have better lives beyond school. Have a great spring break, and I look forward to seeing you all back in October for Term 4.

Adam Hogan

College Principal