I am much relieved to have concluded my duties on the jury and to be back in the School to share in this week’s events! Today we have celebrated the achievements of the girls in Years 7 to 11 in the Grant House and Sampford House Recognition Assemblies. These occasions are not only important because they allow us to acknowledge girls who have worked hard and achieved excellence in both academic and co-curricular pursuits, but because they allow each girl the time to reflect on her own 2014 journey and to consider her goals for the year ahead. A list of the awards presented at these ceremonies is included in this week’s Bulletin pages.
A highlight of this week for me was attending the final meeting of the 2014 Year Level Representatives. At that function we reflected on the many things achieved by the Parents and Friends through the year, not just through major events such as the Relay for Life and Twilight Festival, but also through small “get togethers” and grass roots support of the School. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Year Level Representatives for their hard work and for the positive energy they have generated throughout the year.
Another highlight was “Celebration Day” on Wednesday this week, where it was heart-warming to see so many families supporting the toy drive and to watch the girls across the School participating in cross age activities around the theme: “back to childhood” during the afternoon. Girls received the 2014 Chronicle on this day, which was a fitting way to celebrate the year. I would like to thank everyone involved in its production, most particularly Ms Lauren McKendry and Ms Sandy Nelson. I’m sure if you have browsed its pages you will agree that it is a wonderful publication.
On Monday we will celebrate the end of the year in Junior School, with a special assembly and then, in the evening, the Year 6 Supper. I look forward to sharing these events with the girls and the families who are able to join us. In my meetings with Junior School girls for their birthdays today, they assured me that there is a great deal of learning happening and that they are still working hard with just 2 days of school to go.
As we finish the year, I would like to acknowledge the work of the staff across the School. I know that the girls are very appreciative of all the adults within our community and many of them have shared kind words in cards as the year has drawn to a close. I am particularly grateful to be working with such a wonderful team of professionals who, without exception, are fully committed to making Lowther Hall the best school in the world!
Thank you too, to the parents and the girls for their support of the School throughout the year. There have been many high points, a great deal of hard work, much fun, many different activities and, of course, lots of learning! I wish all families a blessed Christmas and a happy new year. To those whose time within our community has come to an end, I thank you for all you have contributed and wish you well for the next stage of your journey. To those returning in 2015, have a good rest and come back ready for more excitement next year.