​This week it has been joyous to once again hear the sound of girls in the grounds and buildings of Lowther Hall as we have welcomed our Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, Year 12 and some Year 11 students back on site. Girls have adjusted seamlessly to the new routines of sanitising, handwashing, temperature testing and distancing and have very much enjoyed seeing each other and their teachers again.

​In my Year 8 class last week, we reflected on blessings – and even wrote some of our own. Similarly in my Year 7 Tangara class, we have been reflecting on the people we are thankful for who have supported us throughout the last few months.

​This week our remote learning has continued and I have enjoyed visiting many Raymond House girls in their Home Groups every morning. Many girls across the School have been preparing for Mother’s Day in different ways.

​This week has seen the re-introduction of the cocurricular program in “remote” mode and we have received a great deal of positive feedback from girls and families about the joy of participating in their regular activities. I know that girls have been up early running, dancing and playing their instruments and I am sure that this has brought a great deal of colour and movement to households!

​This week I have felt privileged to be able to touch base with so many families across the School during the Raymond House and Senior School Learning Conferences. It has been wonderful to “see” parents and girls and share our experiences of separation and remote learning.

​What an amazing start we have had to this very unusual Term 2! Thank you to all the girls, parents and staff who have embraced the new platforms and approaches in our improved and evolving remote learning model.

​It has been an incredibly exciting week at Lowther Hall: Last Friday we launched the new history of the School, Rising Pillars, Open Doors, with 4 launches across the day for students, parents and the broader school community. The book was very well received with the “boxed edition” selling out and many people taking the opportunity to have the history signed by the authors at the Friday night Centenary Garden Party.

On Monday evening this week, I watched the ABC 4 Corners program that presented a troubling account of shameful behaviour at a Melbourne boys’ school. It gave me significant pause for thought during the week, particularly when, in my Year 8 Theology class on Thursday morning, we spoke about values and the way in which they inform our decisions and actions.

​On Tuesday 11 February 2020, Lowther Hall celebrated its 100th birthday! To mark the occasion, every current student and staff member gathered in the Joan M Garde Cultural Centre to enjoy a special ceremony celebrating all those who have contributed to the incredible history of our school.

​It would be easy to be feeling disheartened this week, as we continue to witness growing fear at the spread of the coronavirus around the world and increasing concern for the environment as we move into bushfire recovery around Australia. Our politicians, nationally and internationally do little to instil hope. At Lowther Hall, however, there are so many reasons for optimism and joy.