On Monday this week I attended Lowther Hall’s magnificent Evening of Song at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where I was incredibly proud to hear choral and vocal items presented at a remarkable standard. The variety of musical genres presented, the technical excellence of the choirs and the soloists, but most strikingly, the confidence and joy of the girls, all combined to make a truly memorable evening. Thank you to Head of Choral and Voice, Ms Joanne Carroll, and all music staff involved, for bringing us a sublime experience!

For the last 2 days I have, as a life-long learner, participated in a conference for principals from around Victoria. We have had the opportunity to share leading practice in education and to discuss developments in teaching and learning that can be used for the benefit of our students in our various schools. 

Next week, starting with Senior School Assembly, the Social Justice Committee will be encouraging the Lowther Hall Community to connect with Reconciliation Week as we seek to promote understanding of Australia’s first people through our curriculum, text study, trips, rituals and symbolism – not just this week, but throughout the year. Each year National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. The dates that bookend the week are significant milestones in the reconciliation journey. May 27 marks the anniversary of Australia’s most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation’s history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.

3 June commemorates the High Court of Australia’s landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land - a relationship that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title. I encourage all members of our School Community to take the time next week to reflect on the importance of these occasions and to consider the work still to be done to create complete reconciliation in our country.