NEWSLOWANNA

Coming Up...

Friday 22 April

ANZAC Day Commemoration

Monday 25 March

ANZAC Day Holiday

Thursday 28 April

Federation University Taster Program (IT/Engineering)

Friday 29 April

Tertiary Information Service Tour (TIS) - Year 12 VCE

students

Monday 2 May

Positive Minds/Positive Habits Parent PD Session -

7 Steps to consider for effective communication

Tuesday 3 May

District Athletics Carnival

Year 12 Food - Top Design Excursion

Thursday 5 May

Year 7 Immunisations

Friday 6 May

Gippsland Volleyball (Middle School)

Important Reminder to

Parents When picking up your child during school hours, please report to reception. Parents should not go directly to any of the mini schools.

Issue 5 18 April 2016

Rising Stars!During the Easter weekend two of our S.E.P students were selected to represent Country Australia in New Zealand at the Melyoung Easter Basketball Classic Tournament. Our Students Harry Pepper and Sam Flanders had an amazing time and were grateful for the opportunity and experience.

The tour was not only successful on court for the teams but a great life and cultural experience for the players. The players are to be congratulated on the way they respected all the teams and officials and in the way they conducted themselves off court as well.

Sam said, “ The opportunity to play against some of the best juniors in the Asia Pacific region was a great experience”

Harry said, “ The opportunity to travel and play the sport I love and represent my Country meant a lot”.

Both boys were selected through their outstanding performances at the Australian Country Cup. As students of the Sports Excellence Program at Lowanna Sam and Harry have had the opportunity to improve and work on their game consistently with highly qualified coaching staff and players.

This is the largest Basketball Tournament on the New Zealand calendar and the boys represented their Country, themselves and our college with great pride and distinction, earning themselves the Silver Medal after losing a hard fought battle. Both Lowanna Students figured prominently in the tournament.

Principal’s ReportSchool Council 2016Last month we had our first College Council Meeting for the year and I am happy to announce that Jason Potts has returned as a community member and has been voted in as President. Jason’s experience in running these meetings has been invaluable and we look forward to his continued leadership of our Council.

Jeff Puts has again agreed to be Treasurer and we are very happy with his ongoing input and support of the College.

The other parent representatives are Kathy Sultana, Katherine Tang, Jude Bergmann, Lisa Johnson, Sue Charles and Leanne Davis.

Our DET representatives are Joel Blythman, Lauren Foster, Sharyn Shields and Michael Santo. This is an excellent group of people and I look forward to working with them this year.

Annual ReportOur Annual Report to the community has been completed and was ratified by School Council on Monday.

A copy will be provided to all members of the school community through our web page but can also be accessed through the MySchool website.

School Uniform UpdateI have noticed a number of students wearing the new College jackets and am really pleased with the way they look.

Last week we met with representatives from Beleza and they have sourced some designs for long pants and shorts (boys and girls) that we are happy with. They will now get some samples made up for us to have a look at. Obviously we will consult with students, staff and parents about the proposed changes before anything is finalised. Once the samples have been provided we will meet with those parents, students and staff that have expressed an interest in being involved in the working group.

The invitation to come and be involved with the uniform working group is still open or should you wish to seek clarification about the uniform changes do not hesitate to give me a call at the College.

Staffing UpdateCurrently we have two positions to fill. An English/Humanities position has been advertised and an appointment will be made next week. This is for one term only and it is to replace Carol Rawson who is taking some leave. We also have a 0.3 Careers position advertised to provide added support to our Careers team.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jen McQuade for her recent appointment to Trafalgar Primary School. Jen has done a wonderful job in the Junior School Administration role and she

will be sorely missed. It is a real feather in her cap to be appointed to this new position and we wish her every success. This role will be filled internally.

Some Important RemindersThis year we have introduced some Behaviour Norms revolving around the value of respectful relationships. We have a different set for students, staff and parents and they are really just designed to be a helpful reminder about how we should all behave towards each other.

This term has not been a good start in terms of the way some students are behaving towards each other, their teachers or school property. Walking around the yard I have noticed that many students are using very bad language and they need to be mindful of who might be around them and the offence this might cause. We have also had students be disrespectful to teachers and many staff have commented on the disruptive behaviour in class. This needs to stop. We have put a lot of work into building an orderly school environment and this is purely to allow teachers to teach and students to learn. Those that believe that it is okay to disrupt the learning of others may be in for a rude shock.

I am prepared to challenge anyone that chooses to behave disrespectfully towards others and it does not matter whether they are students, staff or parents. I do not want to make too big a point about this but this is just a friendly reminder to all in our community that respectful relationships are ‘line in the sand’ stuff to this school community.

Book, Music and lyrics by Rod Christian | Book, Music and lyrics by Peter Waterman

Cruisin’ is an exciting new musical with songs in the style and spirit of the pioneers of rock n roll.

It is filled with comedy, pathos and catchy musical numbers that will leave your audience enthralled right ‘till the end.

Cruisin is the late 1950’s, and VINNIE RUSSO is a 17 year old kid is torn between his love for music and his family traditions. His father thinks that VINNIE is wasting his time with rock and roll music instead of concentrating on his Italian heritage and a solid career in the family small good’s business.

Conflict comes to a head when MARIA, VINNIE’S younger sister, leaves home to be with Phil (the guitarist and lead singer in the band Cruisin’) and VINNIE joins the band. It takes courage and determination for their mother and an old friend JOHNNY ANGEL to convince their father that this “crazy rock and roll music” may not be such a bad thing after all.

Eventually, the traditional family values stay intact and the RUSSOS come to terms with the Australian way of life. Music becomes the instrument of reconciliation, bridging the generation gap and creating a new cultural harmony and optimism for the future.

Recently, CRUISIN’ was staged in Sydney and Perth to capacity crowds. The Sydney Morning Herald described the show as “Footloose” meets “The Shifting Heart” and “CRUISIN’ the new Australian musical is the best culture shock this season!”

Rehearsals are held each MONDAY from 3.30pm to 6.00pmAuditions for principal characters and final call for chorus sign up this Friday, April 22nd at lunchtime in C6 Music Room

Principals – sing at least 1 verse and 1 chorus from a selected song

Chorus only – no need to audition, just sign up

For more details see the music department.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest

from Year 9 & 10 students to attend the

Middle School Camp to

Central Australia!10 days, leaving

October 12Proposed itineraries and details are available from

Donna in the Middle School Office.

$100 deposits now being taken

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Lowanna College is participating.

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 9 September 2016.

Students from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and can choose to have their name included on the online Honour Roll.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklists and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/prc.

Students wishing to register for the Challenge should visit Mrs Possart in the Library.

Host an Italian-Speaking Exchange Student this Year!

Imagine knowing someone who:

•   runs around in shorts and t-shirt in the middle of an Australian winter because the temperature is equivalent to summertime in the student's home country,

•   takes a photo of a meal you have prepared to send overseas because it looks so different,

•   is amazed that we can travel for hours and still be in the same state of one country.

World Education Program (WEP) is looking for volunteer host families for Italian-speaking students arriving in July 2016 for a term, semester or year.

It’s easier than you think & a fantastic experience for all! Alice K (17): “I love cooking! I especially love to bake bread, cakes and biscuits! I am part of a youth group where I help organise weekly activities for 130 children! When I'm older I'd like to study medicine. I am really excited to meet my host family!” Francesco P (15): “I am curious, open-minded, friendly and adaptable. I am sporty. I enjoy swimming and canoeing. I am also very creative and I enjoy writing, photography and acting. At school, I am learning three languages; English, German and Spanish. I am really excited to be coming to Australia. I can’t wait to meet my host family and and try some vegemite!

How does it work?

It’s easy! Simply jump online or contact WEP today to receive a free information pack in the mail.

Sylvia Kelly World Education Program For the cost of a local call: 1300 884 733 Email: info@wep.org.au www.wep.org.au

Add a family member from overseas, share your way of life and most importantly form

loving, life-long relationship with your new Italian family member.

Reminders: • Undergraduate Medicine and Health

Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) – Register by: 3 June; Test date: 27 July (required by undergraduate Medicine at Monash University)

• VCE and Careers Expo – Caulfield Racecourse; Thurs 5 – Sun 8 May; Cost: $10, $25 families; Info: www.vceandcareers.com.au

• ‘Experience La Trobe’ - Bundoora 31 March; Bendigo 1 April; Bookings: www.latrobe.edu.au/experience

• ‘Keeper for the Day’ and ‘Vet for a Day’ programs in the coming school holidays; Information/Booking: 1300 966 784; See also: www.zoo.org.au/education/careers-programs

• Science at RMIT (City) – RMIT offering a school holiday opportunity to go behind the scenes and tour the facilities on 30 March; Book/info: www.rmit.edu.au/events/all-events/tours/2016/

• William Angliss Institute - 31 March; check out Tourism courses; REGISTER HERE! Enquiries: Marketing@angliss.edu.au

OFFERS OF PLACES – La Trobe offered places to over 8,000 applicants this year. Apart from the large campus at Bundoora, La Trobe is the largest University in regional Victoria with a total of 1,595 main round offers at its regional campuses, which is 46% of all Victorian regional university main round offers.

‘ASPIRE’ EARLY ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (EAP)

This program has been well received by students, with 587 community-minded students receiving an offer under the program, an increase of 23.6% on the inaugural year. The university is planning to expand this program (more detail later). Some universities are looking at the need to restructure their admissions practices to promote greater ethical engagement among aspiring students and to reduce pressure on academic achievement. For information about this program see: www.latrobe.edu.au/aspire.

STEM AN AREA OF STRENGTH AT LA TROBE

For those who are unsure, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. As you can see below, this is an area the government is wishing to promote. La Trobe University plans to introduce important initiatives in relation to these course and career areas.

RESTORING THE FOCUS ON STEM IN SCHOOLS

The Federal Government committed an extra $12 million to restore the focus, and increase student uptake of, science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in primary and secondary schools in the 2015-2016 budget. This built on the $5 million allocated in the 2014-15 Budget. Restoring the focus on STEM subjects is about ensuring Australia’s young adults are equipped with necessary skills for the economy of the future.

STEM is everywhere: our homes, transport, food, health, jobs and leisure to name a few, are all profoundly shaped by technological innovation.

Four key elements of the program are:

• providing innovative mathematics curriculum resources

• supporting the introduction of computer coding in schools

• an innovative approach to education based on the US ‘Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model

• summer schools for STEM students to increase the number of girls and disadvantaged students attending.

Students need to be encouraged to study STEM subjects to help secure the nation’s future. Starting this interest at the school level will hopefully help increase the number of students taking up STEM subjects in higher education and in their careers, and help keep Australia competitive internationally in these important fields.

NEW COURSE IN SOUND PRODUCTI0N AT BOX HILL INSTITUTE

This course is ideal for those who like to record, produce and mix music and live sound, develop interactive cross media sound art, design video games audio and compose and design sound for film, television and theatre. Work placements are guaranteed as part of the course.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY NEWS

Monash is offering more ‘Inside Monash’ Seminars in the next few weeks. These are a great way to obtain insights into their courses and careers:

• 21 April - Nursing and Midwifery

• 26 April – Architecture

• 27 April – Interior Architecture

• 28 April – Psychology

Information and Bookings: www.monash.edu/inside-monash

BE INSPIRED AT MONASH UNIVERSITY In Year 11 and you want to find out more about Monash? Then grab a seat at Inspiration Day. You’ll be pointed towards the right course to fit your passions, talents and ambition. When: 9.45am-2.45pmn (EAL Workshop 2.00-2.45pm), Thur 7 April; Where: Exhibition Space H1.16, Building H, Caulfield Campus: Register: www.monash.edu/year11-dayl; Information: Amy Little, 9903 4763, amy.little@monash.edu.

NEW APPROACH TO TEACHING DESIGN

The University is introducing a new undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree in 2017. This degree will create new pathways for students who are passionate about the use of design and creative approaches across a wide range of disciplines and professions, and give students contemporary opportunities for their graduate and career prospects. Majors available will be: architecture, construction, computing, civil systems, digital media, landscape architecture, mechanical systems, property, spatial systems, urban planning and visual and performance design. As a result of this development, the University will not take new students into the Bachelor of Environments in 2017.

The new Design degree will encompass a number of the pathways to masters programs currently available in the B. Environments and students interested in environmental science and sustainability will continue to be able to access majors through the B. Arts and the B. Science. Current B. Environments students will be unaffected by the changes.

‘FOCUS ON MELBOURNE’

‘Focus on Melbourne’ University seminars offer you the chance to take a closer look at the courses you would like to study at Melbourne. The seminar series include sessions for every undergraduate course at Melbourne. Hear from current students and find out about majors and degree structures, pathways to further study, employment prospects, entry requirements and application, and the unique Melbourne experience.

The series kicks off with

• Focus on Engineering on Tues 17 May (6.30-8.00pm),

• Focus on Veterinary Science on Wed 18 May

• Others to follow

To find more information and sessions, and to register to attend, go to: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/focus2016.

A DAY AT MELBOURNE

Year 10 – 12 students and families are invited to an event to explore the University and find out about study options at Australia’s number one university. Hear from current students and attend tailored sessions to learn about entry requirements, course structures and other opportunities for students. A tour of the Southbank campus is included for those wanting to visit the Victorian College of the Arts. When: 9am-3.30pm, Fri 1 April; Where: Parkville campus: Register: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/adam2016.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE?

CHECK OUT MONASH UNIVERSITY

DOOKIE COURSE INFORMATION DAY

You are invited to the largest farm campus in the southern hemisphere to find out about programs available at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus. Find out about the B. Agriculture, pathways to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the Diploma of General Studies as a pathway to some Melbourne degrees, speak to staff and current students and see the accommodation. When: 10am-2pm, Sun 17 April; Where: Dookie campus, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Rd, Dookie; Information/Registration: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/dookie-open-day-2016.