​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.

​With Father’s Day approaching this weekend, I have been prompted to reflect on the important role dads have in the raising of daughters.

​This week we have celebrated Book Week across the School, with this morning’s dress up parade in Early Years and Junior School being a particular highlight.

​Yesterday I was delighted to represent Lowther Hall at the biennial Anglican Schools’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our Senior members of the Girls’ Voices of the Cathedral sang at the service and we were also represented by the Heads of School, Junior School and Senior School Captains, Deputies and leaders of Faith and Worship.

​One of our highest priorities at Lowther Hall is to provide a safe place for girls to learn. As it sets out in our Values Statement, “we value respectful relationships” and expect all members of the community to interact in positive and supportive ways.

It was lovely to see everyone back together for the start of Term 3. At our whole School Assembly yesterday, I shared with the girls our updated School Values Statement. This statement has been developed with input from students and staff in a process overseen by the School Executive and the School Council. I hope you will agree that these updated statements are reflected in our daily work at Lowther Hall and summarise the things that we believe are important.

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.

​In a complex community such as ours, there are always many challenges to be managed – whether it is making sure that every girl is learning, replacing staff who encounter illness or other difficulties, navigating building projects or keeping the books balanced!