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, which is still sung today and indeed 105 years later, the motto’s sentiments still permeate the community across students, staff and parents. Girls are often exhorted to live out the motto in their school context, helping each other to achieve their best and working cooperatively in academics, sporting, musical and other cocurricular pursuits. Earlier this term I spoke to the Year 12s to remind them that in what can seem a competitive VCE process, they will do best if they support one another to achieve and seek to be the very best cohort they can be. Non nobis solum has also provided motivation for members of the School community to work for the good of the Lowther Hall itself, whether that be through girls volunteering to lead tours for prospective families on Saturday Open Days, parents volunteering their time on School Council, Committees and in supporting productions or school events, or through philanthropic giving to specific campaigns or to building and scholarship funds.
One of my favourite expressions of the motto is in our non nobis solum days – one each term – where the girls pay a “fee” to come out of uniform in order to raise funds for our 3 partner charitable organisations whose work has a focus overseas. These events exemplify the spirit of “not for ourselves alone” because the beneficiaries of the monetary gifts that the students bring are the furthest removed from their experience and require them to most put themselves in the shoes of someone whose context is significantly different from their own. I hope that it encourages them to imagine life beyond Lowther Hall and to consider the power that they have to make a positive contribution towards communities that are far away but in great need. Across 2025 our non nobis solum days will raise funds for Fred Hyde Schools in Bangladesh, the Australian Himalayan Foundation and (next Tuesday) Anglican Overseas Aid. I encourage all members of our community to support the girls in the fundraising for these organisations and to speak to them about the spirit of non nobis solum. Please feel free to send an additional donation with your daughter if you feel inclined. It continues to be a privilege to be part of a community that has at its heart, the service of people and organisations outside ourselves. The world can feel like a pretty self-absorbed place these days, with an overdose of “main character energy”. May non nobis solum continue to thrive!
Ms Elisabeth Rhodes
Principal