I am certain that all girls and families who were at St Paul’s Cathedral for our annual Carols Service will agree that we are truly blessed to have a school capable of producing such beautiful singing and creating such a special occasion. The girls, as always, made me incredibly proud as they lifted their voices together in song with great enthusiasm. An enormous thank you to everyone who contributed to the service, particularly our Director of Choral and Voice, Ms Joanne Carroll, whose repertoire choices and training of the choirs are always thoroughly well advised!

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 2015 journey and to consider her goals for the year ahead.  

Another highlight of this week for me was “Celebration Day” on Wednesday this week, where it was heart-warming to see so many families supporting the food and toy drive for Anglicare. Girls also received the 2015 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 Chronicle Captain of 2015, Summer Woolley. I’m sure if you have browsed its pages you will agree that it is a brilliantly put together 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 2016, have a good rest and come back ready for more excitement next year.