​I am so proud of the outstanding VCE results at Lowther Hall in 2017 as they are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students and our teachers. 23 percent of the Year 12 cohort scored an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank) of 95 or above..

​I am certain that all who attended St Paul’s Cathedral for our annual Carols Service last night will agree that it was indeed a “night divine”! The girls, as always, made me incredibly proud as they lifted their voices together in song with great enthusiasm.

​Our new Academic Wardrobe is here! It was wonderful to see so many parents and members of our community at our five launch events yesterday and to receive so much positive feedback about our new range of trans-seasonal items.

It was wonderful to visit the Year 10 girls and their Year 11 leaders at their camp this week and to see the girls fully embracing the activities on offer, despite the heat! Last Friday I also enjoyed spending time with the Year 2 girls on their first overnight school camp experience! It is certainly an exciting time at Lowther Hall at the moment with preparations for the launch of the Academic Wardrobe and the finalisation of Blinkbonnie House generating a great deal of activity around the campus. On Monday the Senior School girls will all move up into their 2018 classes as they commence their Orientation Program so this will be an opportunity for trying new things and making new connections. I look forward to seeing many parents at the Parents and Friends’ Association Lunch tomorrow and to catching up with others at the special events and ceremonies that are happening in the coming weeks!

Members of the School community are no doubt aware that, under the direction of experienced designer Jonathan Ward, a committee of dedicated students, Old Grammarians, staff and parents have been working for 24 months to develop a new wardrobe for the 2020 Lowther girl which will be phased in from the beginning of 2018.

​I am always impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of our girls. In recent days I have seen them throwing themselves into Annie auditions, stepping up to speak in Assembly, studying for examinations, embracing the challenges of camps and engaging with their learning. In order to sustain this energy and pace, rest is very important. I hope that over the coming weekend, girls and families will take the time to rest and recharge the batteries, ready to return on Wednesday with renewed vigour! Enjoy the slower pace afforded over the days ahead and please encourage girls to do likewise!

This week we bid our final farewell to the Class of 2017. 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.

​On Wednesday of this week, in a moving ceremony, the Prefects of 2017 were acknowledged and thanked and the Prefects of 2018 were commissioned.

​It was wonderful to see all of our girls back at school this week ready for another action packed term. At our whole school assembly on Tuesday we enjoyed one of our most significant school rituals, where each Prep student presented each of our Year 12 girls with a gold rose, and they, in turn, gave her a gift of seeds.

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.