​Our Mansion will be open to the public this weekend for 'Open House Melbourne'. Built in 1890, the Mansion (formerly Earlsbrae Hall) remains one of the finest examples of documented works of architects Lawson and Grey.

It was wonderful to welcome everyone back to school on Wednesday. As usual we commenced the term with an assembly for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and Ms Tracy Healy (Deputy Principal) and I were proud to talk to the girls about the ways in which we had shared the School’s world class leadership and cross-age programs with a global audience during our recent trip to America.

​Thank you to everyone who has helped to make Term 2 such a success. Teachers, girls, student leaders and parents have all played a part in bringing enthusiasm, a willingness to get involved and a generosity of spirit to Lowther Hall over the last 10 weeks.

​This week I am in Washington DC with Deputy Principal, Ms Tracy Healy, presenting at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Global Forum on Girls’ Education. Our presentation is titled “Girls Leading Girls” and highlights the world class cross-age programs that we have in place at Lowther Hall.

​Seeing the Senior School Production of Annie this week has again confirmed how worthwhile it is for girls to be involved in cocurricular pursuits. The benefits that come from working as part of a team, learning new skills and being part of something rewarding are undeniable.

Last week I attended a 2 day forum on Anglican Schooling in Australia where I was fortunate to sit around the table with Archbishops, Bishops, School Principals and Chaplains from around the country, discussing the role of faith, reason, pluralism, service and character development within Anglican Schools today.

​This week our girls in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 have undertaken the National Assessment Program testing in Literacy And Numeracy (NAPLAN). At this time of year there is often media coverage of debate about the value of such tests and whether they are counterproductive for students, causing unnecessary stress for insufficient gain.

Sunday is Mother’s Day and this week we have the opportunity to celebrate at school with our Mother’s Day Breakfasts and various other special events. This is a time of year to pause and pay homage to our mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, substitute mothers and all those women who have mothered us.

​I have enjoyed catching up with families at Learning Conferences across the School over the last 10 days. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to get to know the girls better as learners and I hope you have found them productive.