Term 3 has started with a very positive energy across all areas of the School. In our whole school assembly yesterday, we noted that we were witnessing history as new images of Pluto were being sent to Earth via the NASA probe and I asked the girls to consider what we might learn from this ambitious space mission that could apply to their school context. Firstly, it struck me that the mission was motivated by a sense of curiosity - a desire to know more – a quality that I hope every learner at Lowther Hall will bring to Term 3!  Secondly, those in charge of the mission needed to be prepared to risk failure – in this new challenge where uncharted areas of space would be visited, the chances of unexpected obstacles or failures of communication were high. Similarly, in their classrooms, all Lowther girls need to be prepared to give difficult things a go; to volunteer an answer, to attempt tricky problems and to embrace unfamiliar topics. Finally, like those overseeing the Pluto mission, our students (and our parents) need to have a long term view: they need to keep each day, test, examination, learning activity and challenge in perspective and see it as a small piece of a longer educational journey. I particularly encouraged the girls who have received their reports this week to bear these ideas in mind as they reflect on what has been achieved so far this year.

It was also delightful to be able to use the new grassed area at the front of the Mansion yesterday – a space that was launched at assembly by our Senior School Sport Captain, Ria Thompson. The area has already seen games of dodge ball, recreational play, soccer matches and  Year Level activities! I hope the girls will continue to enjoy it in an active manner as the term unfolds.