​I am always impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of our girls. In recent days I have seen them throwing themselves into Peter Pan rehearsals, signing up for Antigone auditions, stepping up to speak in Assembly, studying for examinations, embracing the challenges of camps and engaging with their learning.

We have recognised them at formal assemblies, watched them throw their hats off the Mansion balcony and been moved at their Valedictory service yesterday afternoon as they left the Cultural Centre symbolically carrying their light out into the world, ready to shine.

​I know that everyone in our School Community who visited the 2018 Art and Design Exhibition will have been impressed with the variety of work on display.

It is always exciting to return to school after a term break and in Term 4 this is especially the case with the energy that Spring brings. This week started with an inspiring day in which members of the teaching staff shared their reflections on learning they have each been doing over the year – action research regarding best practice classroom teaching, informed through peer observation, data collection and extensive reflection and reading. We are fortunate at Lowther Hall to have a committed team of professional teachers who lead the way in learning for our girls.

​I know that those of you who attended the Annual Music Concert on Wednesday evening will agree that we were treated to a wonderful night of music with outstanding performances from our bands, orchestras, choirs, ensembles and soloists. It brings me an enormous amount of joy to see so many girls delighting in their music making and to reflect on the skills they have developed in working towards their performances.

​Political leadership in Australia at the moment could generously be characterised as somewhat mystifying at best and deeply embarrassing at worst. The backstabbing, power playing and internal bickering detracts from the truly important business of policy development and governing.

​With Father’s Day approaching this weekend, I have been prompted to reflect on the important role dads have in the raising of daughters. My own dad, though not living at home with me and my mum from the time I was 7, played an important part in my development.

This week is Book Week and the School has been enlivened by workshops with authors, special book related activities and preparations for the big parade that will conclude the week on Friday.

This week, we are officially launching the 2018 Parents and Friends' Association Twilight Festival, and I am confident that it is going to be spectacular! A great deal of work has already gone into the planning of stalls and entertainment and we are particularly looking forward to spreading out the rides across the new grassed area adjacent to Raymond House and the multipurpose court, giving plenty of space to move around and a chance to provide a range of rides for all ages!​

It has been an amazing week and a half! The Fundraising afternoon last Friday was a great success and the girls had a ball, while raising money for some very worthwhile causes. Thank you to the Prefects for their organisation of this event and to all the staff who supported it. In addition, we have had visitors to the Mansion for Open House Melbourne, Raymond House and Blinkbonnie House Learning Conferences, the Principal’s Soiree, the Lowther Hall Society Lunch, the Winter Strings Festival and all the other regular things that go on: all things that make Lowther Hall the wonderful place it is!