Lowther Hall’s motto, non nobis solum, which translates “not for ourselves alone” was in place by the end of the School’s first year, having been chosen by Florence Hutton, the School’s first principal. It was the title given to the School Song, composed by Elizabeth Yeo late in 1920...

This week, Lowther Hall celebrated its 105th birthday! At the whole school Found Day Assembly, we recognised and gave thanks for the many individuals who have assisted our school to grow and develop since its first students entered the gates on the 11th of February, 1920. From Archbishop Lowther Clarke, who had the vision and foresight to establish and Anglican school for girls in Melbourne’s north west, through our school councils, principals, staff, parents and of course each generation of students, who have shaped our community into the wonderful place it is today. Our guest speaker, Diane Williamson from the Class of 1959, shared memoires of her own school days with the girls – including her reflections on assemblies and the uniform and fond reminiscences of Miss Sampford and Miss Thurman – individuals whose legacies live on tangibly in our school spaces today.

Lowther Hall girls have continued to thrive academically in 2024, as evidenced by the outstanding VCE results achieved this year. With 70 percent of students placing in the top 20 percent of the nation, the hard work and dedication of students and teachers is clear! We congratulate the Class of 2024 and celebrate the efforts of all who have supported them.

​As the school year draws to a close it is a good time to reflect on all that has been achieved during 2024. Many strategic objectives have been accomplished, new staff have been appointed, programs have been reviewed and updated and most importantly, girls have had the opportunity to undertake a great deal of learning, both inside and beyond the classroom.

​One of the things I most enjoy at this time of year is hearing the sound of Christmas carols being rehearsed across the School. Not only does it remind me that our girls can sing like angels, but it provides a festive air and heralds the commencement of the summer and the end of the school year.

​This week, I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Invergowrie Foundation, a charitable organisation which provides grants and support to advance the education of girls and women in Victoria. The Foundation seeks to enable access, promote excellence, advance leadership and support research by and about girls and women in science, technology and mathematics.

​Today we celebrate World Teachers Day – a day to celebrate and recognise the wonderful staff who support our girls to build their knowledge and skills and who help us to create young people who can contribute positively to their communities.

​This time of year is always bittersweet as we prepare to send the Year 12 cohort on to the next stage of their journey. During their last few weeks, Ms Healy and I meet with all the Year 12 students in small groups, over lunch, to hear from them about their Lowther Hall experience and to discuss the aspects that they feel have been of most value to them in terms of personal development.