​This week I have been reflecting on excellence, and the value of aspiring to excellence in many different aspects of our lives and our work. On the weekend, I observed excellence in this year’s Senior School Production, Antigone, where girls and staff had invested time and care to ensure that the highest quality of performance was presented to the audience.

​The colder weather this week has seen staff and students donning scarves and jumpers and appreciating any opportunities to keep warm via various activities. Fortunately, Lowther girls are regularly active, with PE, sport, dance and cocurricular programs affording multiple opportunities each week to get the blood pumping! I am particularly delighted to be finishing the week celebrating with the Senior School Cross Country Team who have been training in the early mornings for the last few months and have represented the School ably in their competitions.

​On Monday this week I attended Lowther Hall’s magnificent Evening of Song at the Melbourne Recital Centre, where I was incredibly proud to hear choral and vocal items presented at a remarkable standard. The variety of musical genres presented, the technical excellence of the choirs and the soloists, but most strikingly, the confidence and joy of the girls, all combined to make a truly memorable evening.

As we head into the Federal election on the weekend, I have been reflecting on the privilege we have to be part of a democracy. Whilst we might be frustrated with some of the behaviour of our politicians, or we might have strong preferences in terms of where our own political allegiances lie, there is no denying that we are fortunate to live in a country where we each have a voice, where we can enjoy robust debate about a range of issues and where, on the whole, we are represented by individuals who want our country to thrive.

This week I have enjoyed spending some time with the Year 7 girls and staff on camp. As usual, the girls threw themselves into the experience and enjoyed broadening their connections across the year level and challenging themselves in various activities.

I am enjoying catching up with families at Learning Conferences as they occur across the School in these first few weeks of term.

​It has been wonderful to welcome the girls back to Term 2 this week. As usual they have impressed me with their enthusiasm for all that school life has to offer.

​Term 1 has ended in a wonderfully positive manner today with the commissioning of Reverend Fiona Raike by Bishop Kate Prowd.

As I write this week, I am at a conference examining best practice in education and research relating to teaching and learning. It is always invigorating to take the position of a learner for a few days and to hear from experts and other practitioners about new ways in which we can continue to provide an education that ensures every girl has a relevant and purposeful experience in every subject every day!

​At this time of year I meet with each Year 12 student in her House group to hear how the year has begun and to receive feedback about the classes and programs that the girls are undertaking. It is always a delight to touch base with the girls and share time together with them. I am incredibly impressed with the focussed and productive start to the year that the girls have made. They are managing their time effectively and engaging with their subjects in a very mature and disciplined manner.